Preview: ATKMB look to regain momentum against unbeaten Hyderabad FC

The Nizams are yet to register a defeat this season.

Having suffered their first loss in the Indian Super League (ISL), ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) will be looking to regain their momentum and get a compelling win over an in-form Hyderabad FC side at the Fatorda Stadium. 

The Mariners are yet to hit top gear this season and need to produce a special performance to get the win and stay close to league leaders Mumbai City FC. But, Hyderabad FC are themselves undefeated in the league so far and have proven to be a tough nut to crack. An intriguing battle awaits between these two ambitious sides and only the club with more determination to get the win will prevail on Friday.

The Stakes

It only took one loss for ATKMB to get hounded by criticism, but the biggest questions have been raised on their attacking capability. The Mariners will not just want to get back to winning ways, but also make a point about just how devastating they can be as an offensive unit.

ALSO READ: Not worried about goalscoring, says ATKMB’s Antonio Habas

ATKMB will aim to silence their doubters by playing some attractive, attacking football and creating more clear chances. Antonio Habas might give his players a bit more freedom to venture forward and display their brilliance. 

Hyderabad FC, meanwhile, are still looking to consolidate themselves as serious contenders for a playoffs spot. The Nizams have started the season well, but a win against a top side like ATKMB will be the statement of intent Manolo Marquez’s side need to make in order to get everyone’s attention. 

HFC will aim to frustrate the Mariners and further solidify their reputation for being one of the meanest defences in the ISL. This will be the biggest test of their campaign so far, but if the Nizams are able to scrap out important points from this, they will be taken seriously as genuine top four contenders this season.

ALSO READ: Thangboi Singto: Aridane will not be there against ATKMB

Team News

ATKMB were without key foreign stars Javi Hernandez and David Williams in the previous game but both are in contention to feature against Hyderabad FC. Michael Soosairaj remains a long-term absentee after suffering a season-ending injury in their opener against Kerala Blasters.

Hyderabad FC are also facing troubles with injuries, as their foreign stars Joel Chianese and Lluis Sastre will not feature in this game while Aridane Santana will also miss out.

Probable Lineups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam, Prabir, Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan, Subhasish, McHugh, Rane, Inman, Krishna, Garcia.

Hyderabad FC: Paul; Rai, Onaindia, Chinglensana, Mishra; Hitesh, Victor; Liston, Yasir, Narzary; Santana.

Head-to-Head

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

This will be the first time these two teams meet in the ISL. However, the former entity ATK had faced Hyderabad FC last season twice, winning one in dominant fashion and drawing the other game.

Man to Watch

Edu Garcia (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Edu Garcia’s had a topsy-turvy start to the season with ATKMB, suffering some niggles and hasn’t hit top gear so far. But, coming into the game with a point to prove, the Spaniard will be roaring to be at his vicious best. Garcia can turn things around quickly with his impressive dribbling ability and knack for scoring stellar goals. 

His unpredictability can be the key to unlocking Hyderabad’s backline and opening up spaces for Roy Krishna & Co. With AKTMB also missing Hernandez, Garcia will look to become their playmaker, link-up well with Krishna and also get among the goals for the first time this season.

ALSO READ: Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 4

Liston Colaco (Hyderabad FC)

Liston Colaco has turned out to be one of the breakout stars for Hyderabad FC this season and seems to be only getting better with each game as he will want to prove his ability against the stern backline of ATKMB, who are yet to concede a goal from open play. Colaco can perhaps help change that, with his very direct style, capable of unnerving defenders. Indeed, the 22-year-old loves to dribble past opponents and his pace often leaves many sweating. 

Colaco just needs to improve his decision-making and be more lethal in the final third to become a real nightmare for ATKMB. The attacker will be key to stretching the Mariners’ backline and opening up opportunities for his teammates. So, he’ll look to make good use of his movement and create big opportunities to help his side break down ATKMB’s strong defence. 

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan have the second worst pass completion ratio (62.28%) in ISL this season.
• Hyderabad FC have only conceded one goal this season, the lowest for any team in ISL. 
• Roy Krishna has contributed 80% of ATKMB's total goals so far this season, with four strikes in as many games.

Telecast

The match between ATKMB and Hyderabad 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.