Wednesday will witness a clash of titans as ATK host Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata for their first meeting of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19. Both sides boast some of the finest players in the league and will be hoping to prove their mettle on the big stage. The match will also see John Johnson play against his former side after spending five years with Bengaluru.

ATK

Two-time champions ATK seem to have finally got out of the rut after their victory over Chennaiyin FC.  While Steve Coppell will be pleased with the results from the last few matches, he will want his side to be playing at their full potential soon. They will be tested to the limit against a sturdy Bengaluru outfit.

The duo of Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche will be pivotal to ATK’s attacks against the Blues. Uche will be looking to build on his form after opening his account against Chennaiyin. Lanzarote, on the other hand, has been the side’s most prolific attacker with his ability to create chances and find the back of the net. One concern for ATK has been their performance in the defensive third. The Kolkata giants are yet to keep a clean sheet this season, a surprising statistic for a side managed by Coppell. While the encounter might prove to be an emotional one for Johnson, the Englishman will need to do his best to contain Bengaluru’s attacking threats.

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

BENGALURU FC

Looking at their impressive start, the Blues look like they’ve picked up from where they left off last season. Currently sitting in third spot after three matches, Bengaluru may have the chance to climb the table with a victory over ATK. Carles Cuadrat will be pleased with the progress his side has made so far, especially after their comprehensive victory over Pune last week.

Sunil Chhetri and Miku will once again be the men to look out for upfront. The pair combined effectively to dismantle Pune and will be raring to add to their goalscoring tallies. Dimas Delgado impressed in his first start against the Stallions and his passing range will come in handy against a physical ATK midfield. Looking at their attacking pedigree, it will undoubtedly be a challenge for ATK’s defenders.

Here’s a look at Bengaluru’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Aiborlang Khongjee, Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Ricky Lallawmawma, Pronay Halder, Komal Thatal, Manuel Lanzarote (C), Everton Santos, Balwant Singh, Kalu Uche

BENGALURU: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Albert Serran, Juanan, Nishu Kumar, Harmanjot Khabra, Erik Paartalu, Udanta Singh, Dimas Delgado, Sunil Chhetri (C), Miku

DID YOU KNOW?

  • ATK are yet to score a goal against Bengaluru in Hero ISL.
  • Along with Pune, ATK are the only side to not keep a clean sheet so far.
  • With the exception of Delhi Dynamos away last season, Miku has scored in every away match in the league stage so far.

FANSPEAK

Which attacking duo will prove to have the greater impact?

  • Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche
  • Miku and Sunil Chhetri

Have your say in the comments section below. 

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM