Chennaiyin Vs ATK Mohun Bagan Preview: Mariners aim for pole position

The Marina Machans are coming on the back of a frustrating draw against SC East Bengal.

Perhaps the toughest test awaits Chennaiyin FC, as they prepare to face Antonio Habas’ ATK Mohun Bagan. The high-flying Mariners have not put a foot wrong this season and are handsomely placed in second  position with 16 points. But, they have to guard against complacency against Chennaiyin, who would have a point to prove after a dismal draw against SC East Bengal. 

Both teams are coming off contrasting results. While ATK Mohun Bagan tamed Bengaluru FC in an efficient 1-0 win, Chennaiyin FC squandered a golden opportunity to get three points against East Bengal. 

The Stakes

The game against the side that vanquished them in last season’s final will certainly prove to be a tough test for the two-time ISL champions. But, Chennaiyin need to see this as an opportunity to climb up the points table. 

Chennaiyin would still be hurting from the result against East Bengal and must also be aware that games are coming thick and fast. Marina Machans can take inspiration from their game against FC Goa, where they turned the tide with a morale-boosting win. A similar result against ATKMB could be a huge boost to Csaba Laszlo’s side. 

The side’s defence would also be tested against the potency of ATK Mohun Bagan’s attack led by Roy Krishna and David Williams.  

Despite coming in with the pressure of being ISL champions, ATK Mohun Bagan have not dropped their guard and are placed handsomely in the higher echelons of the table. The three-time champions face their opponents from last season’s final and will take confidence from that night’s result. 

Although they haven’t blazed past opponents, ATK Mohun Bagan have showed defensive resilience and consistency in their gameplay. A win against Chennaiyin will keep them well clear of the chasing pack. Their attack of Krishna and Williams will once again look to put Chennaiyin’s defence on the back foot. 

Team News

Csaba Laszlo would be happy to welcome Isma back into the side after the latter recovered from a hamstring injury. The attacker might offer more firepower upfront and might also replace Jakub Sylvestr, whose finishing has not been upto the mark. 

Chennaiyin FC would also be having Reagan Singh back after he served a one-match suspension in the last game. 

As the saying goes, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” That would perhaps be the mantra that Habas employs in the game against Chennaiyin FC. The Spaniard has a full strength roster at his disposal and will once again put out his best XI. 

Head-to-Head 

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

Chennaiyin would be facing the team formed by the combination of ATK and Mohun Bagan for the first time. However, in their earlier avatar as ATK, the two have faced each other 15 times in the ISL, with ATK winning seven games to the Marina Machans’ four successes. There have been four draws in the contest and the game has produced an average of three goals/game. 

Probable Lineups 

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith (GK), Eli Sabia, Memo, Jerry L., Reagan, Tangri, Thapa, Crivellaro (C), Chhangte, Sylvestr, Rahim Ali

ATK Mohun Bagan: Bhattacharya (GK), Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan, Bose, McHugh, Prabir Das, Halder, Manvir, Williams, Krishna 

Man to Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Chhenaiyin FC)

Lallianzuala Chhangte has been one of the best performers for Chennaiyin FC this season. Despite a couple of blunders, the winger has looked solid and has vastly improved in his distribution of play and his work off the ball. He has shown glimpses of his attacking quality and was also rewarded for his work with a goal in the last game against SC East Bengal. 

His duel on the left wing against Prabir Das would be a sight to behold between two quality players in their respective positions. Chhangte will once again be tasked with taking the attack to the resilient ATKMB defence and will be expected to put in his best performance to break their backline. 

Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The talismanic Fijian has become an inextricable part of the Mariners’ lineup and their proceedings on the pitch. 

Roy Krishna would once again be called upon to deliver the goods with his ingenuity in attack. His partnership with David Williams will be the double-edged sword that the record ISL champions will be looking to wield against Chennaiyin FC’s defence. 

ALSO READ: Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 8

Did You Know?

• A defeat against ATK Mohun Bagan would take Chennaiyin FC joint top with Northeast United in the list of most number of defeats in the ISL (43)
• Lallianzuala Chhangte holds the record for the most number of goals scored by an U-23 player in the ISL (16 goals)
• Ever since his arrival in 2019, Roy Krishna has scored 20 goals in 28 games in the ISL, he is among the quickest players to reach 20 goals in the ISL.

Telecast

The match between Chennaiyin FC and ATK Mohun Bagan 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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