Preview: Beleaguered Odisha FC face stern ATK Mohun Bagan challenge

The Mariners will look to continue their quest for top spot in the league.

Bottom-placed Indian Super League side Odisha FC host ATK Mohun Bagan in a game which has different significance for both teams. The Kolkata giants are chasing top spot and are six points behind leaders Mumbai City FC, with a game in hand. Whereas, the Bhubaneswar-based side, who are struggling yet again in their second consecutive season, will look to register only their second win of the campaign.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

Odisha FC are going through torrid times this season, both on and off the field. They have registered just one win in 14 games. To rub salt into the wounds, their head coach Stuart Baxter was sacked after an inappropriate comment during the post-match interview after the last game against Jamshedpur FC. They have named his assistant Gerry Peyton as the interim head coach for the rest of the season.

The Juggernauts have not won any of their last five games and they would like to bounce back following the debacle. However, for that to happen they need to overcome the mental and tactical side of the game against a powerhouse like ATK Mohun Bagan.

ATK Mohun Bagan

The Kolkata giants were expected to be one of the favourites for the title and they are currently staying true to those predictions. Although their recent form is hot and cold, given the quality they have at their disposal they are always going to be a threat for the opposition.

Currently sitting in second position, ATKMB are looking to compete for the summit of the league. They find themselves six points behind their rivals from Mumbai, with a game in hand. ATK Mohun Bagan cannot afford anything less than a win against Odisha FC, if they aspire to be part of the AFC Champions League in 2022.

Team News

Odisha FC

Odisha FC will be missing defender Steven Taylor, who has picked up four yellow cards and will be absent for the next game. Apart from him, the rest of the squad will be at their disposal along with new loanee Bradden Inman.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Barring their long-term absentees in Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin they have everyone available. Their new recruit Lenny Rodrigues is also expected to play a part.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hcwLq9d6Nk

In the three games between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, the Kolkata outfit has won two and one game has resulted in a draw. Antonio Habas' men also won the previous meeting earlier this season, thanks to a Roy Krishna strike.

Probable XI

Odisha FC: Arshdeep (GK); Sarangi, Bora, Tratt, Pradhan; Jerry, Rai, Ramfangzauva, Inman; Onwu, Mauricio.

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam (GK); Pritam, Tiri, Jhingan ; Prabir, Sahil, Rane, Rathi; McHugh; Krishna; Marcelinho.

Man to Watch

Arshdeep Singh (Odisha FC)

One of the few bright spots for Odisha FC in this dismal season, young goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh will once again be the player to watch out for. Having made a monumental 40 saves this term, the onus will be on him when he comes up against the likes of Roy Krishna and Marcelinho. He would be keen to keep a clean-sheet to aid his team's cause.

Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)

This is a must-win game for ATKMB, if they want to finish atop the standings. For that to happen, Roy Krishna needs to be at his best. The Fiji international has already amassed nine goals in 14 games this season. The Juggernauts understand the importance of this game for their rivals and would be wanting spoil the part.

Did You Know?

• Gerry Peyton, the interim head coach of Odisha FC has worked at Arsenal as a goalkeeping coaching for 15 years from 2003 to 2018 and was part of the Gunners' invincible season.
• Odisha FC have lost eight games this season, one more than in the whole of last campaign.
• No player has scored more goals than Roy Krishna from the start of last season in ISL (24).

Telecast

The match between Odisha 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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