Preview: Bengaluru FC take on fellow-strugglers ATK Mohun Bagan

Both sides haven't tasted wins in their last three matches this season.

Bengaluru FC will lock horns with ATK Mohun Bagan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season on Thursday, 16 December. While both teams started their campaign with wins, things haven't really been the same since. The Blues have had three consecutive losses since then, while the Mariners lost twice and drew once since their last win over SC East Bengal. Subsequently, they rank ninth and sixth in the standings respectively, with four and seven points.

As a result, both Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan will be desperately looking forward to a much-needed win to elevate themselves up the points table.

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The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have had a poor season so far - at least considering their results. Apart from their most recent fixture against FC Goa, most games felt like results of individual errors and botched opportunities, rather than outright overall bad displays. Missed chances, penalties and some moments of miscommunication between goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and the defensive line were some of their biggest issues.

Either way, Marco Pezzaiuoli's side sit third from the bottom, just marginally above East Bengal and NorthEast United. Hence, the upcoming game against Antonio Habas' side will have to be virtually treated like a playoff/final - to attain that much-needed confidence surge. The Blues will surely want to capitalize on the Mariners' form of late.

Also, speaking about their squad, Cleiton Silva has been the only consistent bright spot, scoring thrice so far. Apart from him, there have only been some cameos from different players in each game. Defensively as well, they look a bit shaky with injuries and other absentees too constantly plaguing them. However, despite these constraints, only a win would do them good.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Coming to ATK Mohun Bagan, their campaign has been a weird one, with two wins and consecutive losses -- which didn't occur even once last season. That is, despite the strong start and possibly a better side than last season. For this, a variety of speculation is being made such as on their foreigners not hitting top gear yet and Amrinder Singh's form among others. So, why the inconsistency? Well, that's largely a matter of debate.

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Most recently, in their search to break their poor form (consecutive losses), they managed to finish with a draw against Chennaiyin FC -- the only unbeaten side so far. They started off really well with multiple chances and Liston Colaco opening the scoring early in the first half. However, despite this, a late 45th minute winner by the Marina Machans meant a stalemate at the end of the day, Basically, while there's not been much of an improvement since last season, the Mariners do have quality and time at their disposal -- to get back into the title race. For this, a win tomorrow would do the job temporarily.

Considering all of this, who reigns victorious tomorrow is going to be crucial. What is certain, though, is that both sides will be extremely eager for wins in order to break their respective dreadlocks.

Team News

For Bengaluru FC, centre back Yrondu Musavu-King has now been ruled out until January. Alongside, midfielder Suresh Wangjam will serve a one-match ban after his red card last game.

In terms of ATK Mohun Bagan, it's the same as last game as there are no new reports on unavailabilities, suspensions or injury concerns.

Head-to-Head

Bengaluru FC have faced ATK Mohun Bagan twice in the ISL so far, losing both games. However, the Blues had also faced the erstwhile ATK on eight occasions previously. They won five out of those eight games and drew once.

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3): Sandhu (GK), Naorem, Chaudhari, Costa, Kuruniyan, Farooq, Ramires, Rane, Ibara, Chhetri, Silva,

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1): Amrinder (GK); Kotal, McHugh, Bose; Manvir, Rodrigues, Tangri, Kauko, Colaco; Williams, Krishna.

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Man to Watch

Cleiton Silva (Bengaluru FC)

The Brazilian is Bengaluru FC's top scorer with three goals this season. He's also been their most consistent player overall with constant brilliance in attack, despite the defeats. He brings immense creativity in attack and is brilliant in his runs inside the box as well as set-piece abilities -- with two free-kick goals this season. Silva also has a 1.72 xG rate; the highest in his side.

Other players to note include Prince Ibara and Sivasakthi Narayanan, who both came on as substitutes last game and displayed some major attacking threat for the side. Though the latter isn't a regular starter, synergy between all the three like the previous game could possibly turn around their fortunes tomorrow.

David Williams (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Though not a regular starter this season, the Australian has a really great track record against the Blues. He's scored four times against them including that famous brace in the 2019-20 season -- which knocked Bengaluru FC from the semi-finals back then.

Last season as well, he scored a wonder goal in their first meeting, which led to breaking the Sunil Chhetri-led side's unbeaten run. Whether he can replicate it this season is still unknown. However, he could be handed more game-time considering all of this.

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Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri is only one goal away from equaling Ferran Corominas' all-time ISL top scorer record (48).
• ATK Mohun Bagan's David Williams has scored four times against Bengaluru FC - his highest against any team.
• ATK Mohun Bagan's Amrinder Singh has a 47.5% save percentage; the third-worst among all goalkeepers this season.

Telecast

The game will take place on Saturday, December 16 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa with a 7:30 PM IST kick-off. It will be shown live on the Star Sports network and be available for streaming on Disney+Hotstar and Jio TV.

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