ATK, NorthEast feature in season’s first Eastern derby

The second match-week of the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) commences on Thursday with ATK hosting neighbours NorthEast United FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Both clubs put up valiant performances in their respective openers, but failed to register all three points, something they would want to achieve this time around. With the first international break of the season around the corner, victory will be the primary agenda for both the head coaches to ensure the confidence in the squad remains high.

The two-time champions did not get their campaign off to the brightest of starts after they went down 2-0 at home to Kerala Blasters in the season opener. The Kolkata outfit did enjoy patches of dominance against David James’ side, but ultimately proved to be second best on the night.

ATK will take confidence from their favourable record against Thursday’s opponents, as Steve Coppell is expected to play a largely unchanged side from their first game. Nigerian forward Kalu Uche might get a run-in after his substitute appearance on Saturday. His presence upfront alongside Manuel Lanzarote and Balwant Singh could prove vital.

Pronay Halder and El Maimouni Noussair will have to step up their game if they hope to dominate the midfield, while John Johnson and Gerson Vieira will have to develop a better understanding and tighten the screws at the back.

Here’s a look at their season stats:

NORTHEAST UNITED FC

Eelco Schattorie’s men will take heart from their opening match draw to Goa on Monday. The Highlanders did commit a few unnecessary mistakes at the back but looked purposeful going forward. If they can tighten their grip and ensure minimal cracks in defence, ATK could have a hard time on Thursday.

Central to NorthEast’s attacking intent will be the exploits of club captain, Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Nigerian forward was a constant threat against Goa and managed to get on the scoresheet on his debut game for the club. Nikhil Kadam and Rowllin Borges were equally impressive in midfield and will be hoping to maintain their form.

At the back, Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski seem to have already developed a good understanding amongst themselves and will be responsible for marshalling the rest of the defence. However, TP Rehenesh will have to be on his toes to keep out ATK’s explosive attackers.

Here’s a look at their season stats:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Sena Ralte, John Johnson, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee, Pronay Halder, El Maimouni Noussair, Balwant Singh, Manuel Lanzarote (C), Jayesh Rane, Kalu Uche

NorthEast United: TP Rehenesh, Mato Grgic, Mislav Komorski, Keegan Pereira, Reagan Singh, Rowllin Borges, Nikhil Kadam, Federico Gallego, Redeem Tlang, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

DID YOU KNOW?

Last season, NorthEast could win just one match away from home. (Played 9, Win 1, Draw 1, Losses 7)
NorthEast have won away at ATK just once over the seasons, which was back in Hero ISL 2015.
ATK could win just 2 matches at home last season, one of them was against NorthEast United and the second against Delhi Dynamos.

FANSPEAK

Which Nigerian forward will prove to be the difference for their respective clubs?