Preview: Chennaiyin FC aim maiden win over ATK Mohun Bagan

Both teams will have differing ambitions ahead of the new campaign.

ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC will kickstart their 2022-23 Indian Super League season with a meeting at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday. The previous campaign was quite different for both teams, as the former qualified for the playoffs while the latter took the eighth place in the league standings.

The expectations from both teams are different for the new season. While ATKMB will hope to win the ISL Shield and/or the ISL trophy, Chennaiyin will aim to elevate itself and qualify for the playoffs. There are a lot of new faces on both sides, and the first game of the season will be vital in gauging the strengths and weaknesses of both outfits.

Here is what to expect ahead of the clash in Kolkata on 10 October 2022.

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan

The pressure will be intense on Juan Ferrando to deliver a positive performance in the first game of the season. ATK Mohun Bagan has a brilliant lineup of Indian players and a strong foreign contingent too. It will be interesting to see how the manager incorporates players like Asish Rai, Ashique Kuruniyan, Florentin Pogba and more in the ISL. 

The Mariners will aim for the title and the top position on the league table and anything less will be disappointing. It will also be important for the club to learn from the recent setback of losing in the AFC Cup to Kuala Lumpur City FC. The Durand Cup, too, was a forgettable experience for the Kolkata club and they must learn from their mistakes.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC is a club victim of an illustrious past. The two-time ISL winners are finding it tough to maintain high standards, evidenced by the last couple of seasons. Finishing eighth in the league table for two years in a row is underwhelming for a club that aims to be one of the title contenders. Newly-appointed manager Thomas Brdaric will hope to take the team to the playoffs in the 2022-23 campaign.

Team News

Asish Rai and Kiyan Nassiri are doubtful ahead of the CFC clash. Bagan coach Juan Ferrando said in the press conference that he'll decide the team after the final training session. Chennaiyin FC have travelled with a squad of 22 players. Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Vincy Barretto and Mohammed Rafique are not in the squad. Apart from them, there are a few more injury concerns.

Head-to-Head

Chennaiyin FC are yet to defeat ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL. Out of four clashes in the past between ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC, two games have ended in favour of the Mariners and the other two ended in draws. 

Probable Line-ups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Vishal Kaith (GK), Pritam Kotal, Florentin Pogba, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Carl McHugh, Joni Kauko, Deepak Tangri, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan. 

Chennaiyin FC: Debjit Majumder (GK), Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Fallou Diagne, Sajid Dhot, Narayan Das, Anirudh Thapa, Julius Duker, Sajal Bag, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Petar Sliskovic, Kwame Karikari.

Man to Watch

Liston Colaco (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Liston Colaco is one of the most exciting Indian players at the moment. He scored four goals in the AFC Cup campaign and will aim to carry the goalscoring form to the ISL. He scored eight times and provided five assists in 22 appearances last term - his most productive season in the league so far. ATKMB fans will hope the winger can replicate his form from the previous campaign.

Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)

Anirudh Thapa is widely regarded as one of the best Indian players in the league. The box-to-box midfielder is instrumental to CFC and can change the team’s fortunes single-handedly. 

He scored a goal and made one assist in 18 outings last season and will aim to improve on that front. However, it is Thapa’s industriousness and technical brilliance in addition to his sensational vision that makes him a central figure in the team.

Did You Know?

• Thomas Brdaric represented Bayer Leverkusen and other top German clubs during his playing days.
• Juan Ferrando, manager of ATKMB, began his coaching career at 18.
• Florentin Pogba, brother of former Manchester United player Paul Pogba, supports Arsenal in the Premier League.

Telecast

The live telecast of the ATK Mohun Bagan vs Chennaiyin FC game will be available on the Star Sports Network. Disney+Hotstar and Jio TV will stream the game. The kickoff is at 7:30 PM IST.