ATK will face the daunting task of overcoming FC Goa in their own backyard to keep their play-off hopes alive. The Gaurs will be equally motivated to win in order to consolidate their position in the top four of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 table.

The two teams have faced off 11 times in the Hero ISL in the past, with ATK winning three and the Gaurs triumphing just once.

FC Goa

The Gaurs seem to have lost a bit of their overwhelming offensive sheen post the winter break, but have compensated for the same by being much more solid defensively. In the three matches they have played since the restart, Sergio Lobera’s men have scored only twice but are yet to concede a single goal. The Mourtada Fall-Carlos Pena partnership at the heart of the backline has paid off for Lobera and the onus will be on them on Thursday to try and shut out the ATK attackers.

Despite their brief ongoing goal-drought, Goa have enough firepower in their ranks to break free any moment and score a bagful. With the likes of the league's highest scorer Ferran Corominas in their ranks, backed up by a host of exciting attacking talents like Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes and Jackichand Singh, Goa possess one of the best offensive arsenals in Hero ISL history. The impeccable Ahmed Jahouh will be pulling the string from the midfield and the Moroccan’s impact may very well decide the match on the day.

First-choice goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz missed Goa’s last match against Delhi Dynamos FC and it remains to be seen if the youngster recovers in time for Thursday’s match against ATK.

Here’s a look at Goa’s current season in numbers:

ATK

Steve Coppell promised some attacking football after the break and the team has delivered. The two-time Hero ISL champions have scored 5 goals in their three matches and, like Goa, are unbeaten post the January break. Edu Garcia’s introduction has given the team a new dimension going forward and his combination play with Manuel Lanzarote has been brilliant to watch.

However, the trend of letting in late goals will worry Coppell. Late goals in recent matches against Kerala Blasters FC and FC Pune City cost ATK four crucial points and even in their 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC, ATK were guilty of conceding late.

With their margin for error very slim and the need for three points from the match almost imperative for them to keep pace with the top four, Coppell will hope the backline is more vigilant in the latter stages on Thursday.

Here’s a look at ATK’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

FC Goa: Naveen Kumar (GK), Mourtada Fall, Seriton Fernandes, Carlos Pena, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Hugo Boumous, Brandon Fernandes, Jackichand Singh, Ferran Corominas

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Arnab Mondal, Ricky Lallawmawma, Pronay Halder, Pritam Kotal, Edu Garcia, Jayesh Rane, Manuel Lanzarote (C), Everton Santos

DID YOU KNOW?

• Goa have scored 24 out of their 29 goals this season from open play (highest in the league) while ATK have scored just 7 out of their 15 from open play (lowest in the league).
• Goa have scored 12 out of their 29 goals this season from crosses, the most by any team.
• ATK have been dominant on set pieces this season, scoring 8 out of their 15 goals from dead ball situations (second most by any team).

FANSPEAK

Which creative midfielder will have the biggest impact on the match?

• Ahmed Jahouh
• Manuel Lanzarote

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV at 7.30 PM.