ATK Mohun Bagan would be aiming to repair their derailed campaign when they take on Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings in their AFC Cup 2022 group stage match at the Salt Lake Stadium, on Saturday evening.

The Mariners were handed a shocking 2-4 defeat by fellow Indian club Gokulam Kerala FC in the campaign opener, as their chances of qualifying for the next round is now hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, Bashundhara Kings edged past Maldives-based Maziya S&RC by a solitary goal to sparkle-up their top-spot ambitions.

A loss or even a draw for ATK Mohun Bagan is enough to draw curtains to their AFC Cup ambitions, which makes the upcoming match such a vital one. Especially, after the disappointing loss in the last match, Juan Ferrando’s boys are sure to pull their socks up and stage a fitting turnaround.

Form Guide

ATK Mohun Bagan - LWWWL

The Mariners have won three of their last five matches and lost the remaining two. Out of which, two wins were in the preliminary rounds of the AFC Cup 2022 and most recently the loss to Gokulam Kerala FC, which was ATK Mohun Bagan’s third ever loss under Juan Ferrando’s reign.

Bashundhara Kings - WWWWW

Bashundhara Kings have won each of their last five matches, which includes four matches from the Bangladesh Premier League and also the win over Maziya S&RC in the AFC Cup 2022 group stage clash.

Head-to-Head

The only meeting between these two clubs was in the AFC Cup 2021 group stage, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

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Key Battles

Robinho vs Pritam Kotal

Arguably the best player of the season for Bashundhara Kings, having played some sensational football in the Bangladesh Premier League. Robinho is without a doubt the trump card for the side. In the domestic league, the Brazilian has scored 11 times and assisted on nine other occasions. With no contributions yet in the continental event, he would be itching to rip apart the ATK Mohun Bagan defence.

The veteran who is often shuffled between a side-back and a centre-back, will shoulder the responsibility of checking Robinho’s moves in the upcoming game. With Tiri injured and likely to be out for quite some time, Kotal will lead the pack. The footballer has shown immense stability in the defence and will be expected to do the same in the upcoming game.

Nuha Marong vs Roy Krishna

Joining the Bashundhara Kings setup only a few days back, the Gambian has already shown his sparks in the final third, having scored the winner against Maziya S&RC in the previous game. Nuha Maronga will be responsible for keeping the scoresheet ticking, as they face a tricky match at the Mariners den.

Arguably the most lethal striker in the Indian circuit for the past three seasons, Roy Krishna is yet to get back his rhythm after a break. But, given the big match player he is, the ATK Mohun Bagan faithfuls will be hoping that he delivers in the upcoming match. For the record, Krishna scored twice during ATK Mohun Bagan’s last AFC Cup campaign.

Match Details:

Fixture: ATK Mohun Bagan vs Bashundhara Kings

Date: May 21, 2022

Time: 4:30 PM (IST)

Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

Telecast: Star Sports Network