HFC vs ATKMB: Three key battles that can decide outcome of this fixture

The two-legged clash will be electric and team team that wins more individual battles could win the tie.

Since the completion of the league stage, the Indian Super League (ISL) is heading towards its conclusion. Four teams that have made it to the playoffs will play each other over two-legged ties in order to secure a place in the final. The contest for the ISL title will be intense. While on one hand, Kerala Blasters will collide with league stage winners Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC will challenge ATK Mohun Bagan on the other. 

The Nizams are playing the semi-finals for the first time in the short history. Manolo Marquez’s men led the league table for a substantial period and will like to win the silverware, after missing out on the League Winners' Shield. Whereas, ATK Mohun Bagan, yet again, narrowly missed out and will hope to finally win the ISL title, having finished as runners-up last year.

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Fans on both ends cannot wait for the tie to begin and the excitement is at an all-time high. Before the ball starts rolling, here is a look at the key battles one should look out for when Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan take to the field:

3. Juanan Vs Roy Krishna

One of the most exciting duels will be between Hyderabad FC’s Juanan and ATK Mohun Bagan’s Roy Krishna. The Nizams conceded only 1.2 goals per game in the league stage and huge credit for that goes to the Spanish defender. He is a leader at the back and the Hyderabad FC defence plays at a very high level with him leading the backline. The centre-back has made 59 clearances and 25 blocks in 18 matches.

Roy Krishna is finally getting back to full fitness at the right time and will be tough to contain. His movement and finishing are the main assets that will trouble HFC's defence. Krishna has five goals and four assists in 14 appearances and will look to add more. 

2. Souvik Chakrabarti Vs Joni Kauko

The battle of the midfield will be fierce, to say the least. Both teams like to play through their midfielders and love to dominate possession. Whichever side controls the middle of the park, will likely emerge as the winners. Souvik Chakrabarti delivered a sensational performance in the last league match for the Nizams against Mumbai City. 

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If Joao Victor misses out due to the COVID-19 positive test, then Marquez will look towards Chakrabarti to silence the likes of Joni Kauko. The midfielder has been impressive in his debut season for the Mariners. In 18 appearances, the Finnish international has scored three goals and provided another six. The 31-year-old is physically strong and likes to shoot from distance too, therefore, Souvik will need to be alert to the dangers.

1. Javier Siverio Vs Tiri

Hyderabad FC rely on Bartholomew Ogbeche for goals, considering he has 17, which makes him the leader in the race for the Golden Boot. The Nigerian’s participation is uncertain because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hyderabad FC’s camp. In his absence, the responsibility to lead the attack falls on Javier Siverio. The 24-year-old impressed in his ISL debut season, scoring six goals and making one assist in 20 matches.

The task of keeping the energetic striker under check will fall on Tiri. The centre-back has made 89 clearances and 40 tackles in 16 matches for the Mariners. He is also the leader in terms of interceptions, making 51 of them in the league. He likes to dominate the forwards with his strength and an exceptional reading of the game will make him a tough nut to crack. 

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Special mention: Asish Rai/Nim Dorjee vs Liston Colaco

While those three key battles will be vital, one cannot overlook the contest on the flanks. Liston Colaco is the leading scorer for his team with eight goals. He is in a rich vein of form and silencing him will take an exceptional performance. 

Hyderabad FC’s right side of the defence is usually occupied by the tremendously talented Asish Rai. However, his participation is uncertain and in his place, Nim Dorjee Tamang could take the field. Nikhil Poojary is also an option that the tactician could use to counter Colaco’s speed and shooting threat. 

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