Preview: Desperate Odisha FC brace for ATK Mohun Bagan test

The Mariners are undefeated whilst the Juggernauts are still searching for their first win of the season.

After a loss and a draw in their first two Indian Super League games, Odisha FC look a bit inconsistent in their gameplay as they struggle to put up dominance on the pitch this season. However, the Juggernauts face league heavyweights ATK Mohun Bagan in their next game, a hurdle which could turn into the defining game for Stuart Baxter's side as the Mariners head into the game with two impressive victories on their back. 

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan are full of confidence after an emphatic win in the Kolkata derby in their previous match. Antonio Lopez Habas will look to ensure his side's winning run remains intact against Odisha FC, helping them to get back on the top of the table. The Mariners are currently enjoying a purple patch, and will look for nothing less than a win against Odisha FC to keep their aim alive.

Odisha FC

After a dramatic comeback against Jamshedpur FC in their previous game, Odisha FC will certainly eye to get back into winning ways against ATK Mohun Bagan. The Juggernauts have played two matches so far in the season, however, are yet to win a game. Facing the Kolkata giants will pose a challenge for them as they try to get things in their favour by stopping the Mariners at their tracks on Thursday.

While Odisha have got an efficient team on paper, a fragile defence have not helped their cause this season. However, they have a few able players in Marcelinho and Diego Mauricio leading the attack in the frontlines, who will play a crucial role to get a positive result against the Mariners in their upcoming match - losing which will certainly put Stuart Baxter on a tight rope early in the season.

Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan is expected to field an unchanged XI against Odisha FC. However, Manvir Singh might get the nod to start after an impeccable performance in the Kolkata derby.

Odisha FC

Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Vinit Rai are doubtful to start against ATK Mohun Bagan. Jacob Tratt, who received a knock in the previous match, is fit and expected to start the game. There are also chances of few changes in the defence against the Kolkata giants.

Head To Head 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXuHTr1oC1w

Since Odisha FC formed ahead of the 2019-20 season, ATK Mohun Bagan (erstwhile ATK) had an unbeatable run against them as they drew the first leg and bagged a 3-1 win in the second.

Probable Lineups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam (GK), Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan; Prabir, Jayesh, McHugh, Bose, Hernandez; Manvir, Krishna.

Odisha FC: Kamaljit (GK); Sarangi, Taylor, Tratt, Antonay; Bora, Alexander; Nandhakumar, Marcelinho, Premjit; Onwu.

Man To Watch

Marcelinho

Despite being their highest scorer, Diego Mauricio is expected to not start against ATK Mohun Bagan in the upcoming game. In case of an absence of Mauricio, Odisha FC will be rely hugely on Marcelinho to score the goals. The 33-year-old is one of the highest ever scorers in the league, however, has not scored till now in this season. Considering he has played two games already and is a senior figure in the squad, Marcelinho will have the added responsibility to perform when his side's needs him the most.

Roy Krishna

The Fijian has been one of the two highest scoring strikers from the 2019-20 season as he continues to score goals in this campaign as well. Roy Krishna has already scored in both games he has played in this season and will be the Mariners' player to watch out for against Odisha FC. 

ALSO READ: Stuart Baxter provides update on Vinit Rai, Jerry Mawihmingthanga injuries

Did You Know?

• Manvir Singh is the only Indian apart from Anirudh Thapa to have scored in this season so far.
• Roy Krishna scored a hattrick against Odisha FC last season when the Juggernauts visited Kolkata.
• Odisha FC have the youngest squad in the ISL with an average age of 23.6 years.

Telecast

The match will 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.

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