ATK Mohun Bagan Vs Mumbai City Preview: Potential title-decider?

The two sides are evenly-matched on all fronts and it would be interesting to see who comes out on top.

After nearly two months of slogging it out in the Indian Super League (ISL), the D-Day has arrived for ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC. The two have been the undisputed best teams in the league since the beginning of the 2020-21 season, with the Islanders arguably displaying better football, which sees them tower over the Mariners at the top of the table on goal-difference.

But, after this game, that slight gap could be widened for both sides. Antonio Habas’ team have been defiant under pressure and will look for another clinical performance against a top side, to maintain their march to finish the league stages in top spot. With the best attack (Mumbai) meeting the best defence (ATKMB), this is bound to be a thrilling prospect.

The Stakes

For ATK Mohun Bagan, the stakes have never been higher. Despite winning the large chunk of games and being an impenetrable unit defensively, they’ve still had a lot of critics calling out their inability to produce magic going forward. It’s time they shut down their doubters with a ruthless performance against the league’s best.

The likes of Roy Krishna and David Williams crave for the limelight of big games and tend to produce their best on these occasions. ATK Mohun Bagan need to capitalize on Mumbai City’s defensive weaknesses and opt for a more grounded, fast-paced attacking style to hurt the opposition. With the Islanders almost guaranteed to dominate possession, the Mariners need to be clinical in finishing off counter-attacks, if they want to record a big win.

For Mumbai, this is the kind of test which will decide whether or not they’re ready to be crowned champions this season. After a wobbly start, Sergio Lobera’s side have dominated anyone who has dared to threaten them. Mumbai City look a well-oiled machine, who have perfectly adapted to their coach’s philosophy and their depth in options makes life much easier for the Spaniard.

Of course, they must be wary of ATKMB’s threat from set-pieces and more importantly from counter-attacks. Facing the side who are yet to concede a goal from open play, this is the perfect game to test their attacking might. Mumbai will look to continue their slick, fast-paced passing style to trouble the ATKMB defenders and break their resolve with their unpredictable moves in the final third.

Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan’s injury absentees still remain the same, with Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin out with long-term injuries.

Ahmed Jahouh will miss the game after being sent off in the win over Bengaluru FC. Apart from that, the Islanders have a clean bill of health in their squad, meaning Lobera has everyone else available for selection .

Head-to-Head

https://youtu.be/1HTLobgeuAg

This is the first time ATKMB and Mumbai City will face-off in the ISL. However, the erstwhile ATK have faced the Islanders 14 times in the ISL, with both sides winning five games apiece and the rest being draws.

Probable Lineups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam, Prabir, Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan, Subhasish, McHugh, Pronay, Garcia, Williams, Krishna.

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder, Ranawade, Fall, Santana, Mandar, Rowllin, Raynier, Goddard, Boumous, Bipin, Le Fondre.

Man to Watch

Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Roy Krishna has scored once in the last three games for ATKMB, but that is no reason for the opposition to take him lightly. The Fijian’s incredible goalscoring instincts are well-known in the ISL and he thrives in the biggest games. Facing a sturdy Mumbai City backline with two formidable foreign defenders, Krishna will have to be at his deadliest to catch them off guard.

The attacker will look to make clever runs in behind the defenders to destabilize them, create space for his teammates with his movement and also hold up the ball to create chances. He’ll hope to get better service in the final third to get goals, but Krishna is the man you need to finish off counter-attacks. He also knows how to carve out opportunities for himself. If ATKMB want to win in this big clash, they’ll need their hitman to be on the mark.

Adam le Fondre (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City’s own version of a deadly No.9 this season has been the irresistible Adam le Fondre, who is actually tied on goals with Krishna this season. In this game, he will aim to topple the Fijian to prove that he’s the mightier striker in the league. Mumbai tend to create quite a few opportunities with their patient play, but Le Fondre has been key to putting away those chances.

His impressive positional sense can rattle ATKMB’s sturdy backline and make the defenders uncomfortable. Le Fondre has an incredible hunger for scoring goals and his finishing skills are second to none. He’ll look to use that to dent the Mariners' strong defensive record and record a big win for his side.

Did You Know?

• Rowllin Borges has made 580 successful passes this season in the ISL, the most managed by any Indian player.
• ATK Mohun Bagan have managed to keep the most clean-sheets (7) for any side in the ISL this season.
• Mourtada Fall has scored 10 headed goals in his ISL career and is only one away from equaling Sunil Chhetri (11) for the most headed goals scored by any player in ISL history.

Telecast

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.