ATK will be eyeing their third successive win at home in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 when they welcome Mumbai City FC to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. The two-time champions are unbeaten at home this season, picking up six points from a possible six and will fancy their chances against Mumbai in front of home support. Mumbai, meanwhile, head into the contest on the back of a hard-earned point on the road following an entertaining 2-2 draw with NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. Jorge Costa will want his charges to dig in and take something from the game before returning home for their next match.  

ATK

The two-time champions have enjoyed playing at home and have found the back of the net eight times in their two games at Kolkata this season. Head coach Antonio Lopez Habas will be hoping his team continue their fine form at home as ATK look to move on from a 0-0 draw against Odisha FC in their last match.

Their attacking trident of David Williams, Roy Krishna and Edu Garcia have been lethal, scoring thrice each so far. They’ll be itching to return to the pitch and get amongst the goals once again after ATK failed to find the back of the net for the first time in Hero ISL 2019-20 in their last game. Williams and Krishna are likely to start from the off, while Garcia seems to be thriving in his role of coming off the bench late to threaten opposition backlines.

Having said that, it’s not just up front that ATK look solid. Anas Edathodika, Prabir Das, Pritam Kotal and Agustin Iniguez have combined to form a mean backline that’s conceded just thrice this season – second best defence in the league. The likes of Javier Hernandez, Carl McHugh, Jayesh Rane and Michael Soosairaj in midfield further demonstrates the depth and balance of ATK. 

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders will head into the clash against ATK with belief that they can take something from the game. Their last encounter away to NorthEast saw them fall behind, then go ahead before eventually restoring parity, to encompass a wide range of emotions. Costa, however, will be disappointed not to have taken more from the game and will be eager to get their first win since their season opener.

Amine Chermiti has led the line well of late and will be confident after bagging a brace against the Highlanders. Modou Sougou also seems to be returning to his best form and provided an assist in the last game. With Rowllin Borges returning to fitness and the likes of Diego Carlos, Mohamed Larbi, Paulo Machado and Raynier Fernandes available, midfield is one area where the Islanders are well equipped.

However, it’s their defence that’s let them down time and again this season and it will once again be their biggest concern against a clinical ATK frontline. Costa must address their shortcomings at the back that’s seen them ship 10 goals in their last three games. Sarthak Golui has been solid for most parts but has lacked a solid partner, with Mato Grgic’s injury not helping the matter. Their full-backs Sauvik Chakrabarti and Subhasish Bose will also want to produce better individual displays.       

Probable line-ups:

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Prabir Das, Agustin Iniguez, Carl McHugh, Jayesh Rane, Javier Hernandez, Michael Soosairaj, David Williams, Roy Krishna

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder Singh (GK), Pratik Chaudhari, Subhasish Bose, Sarthak Golui, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Rowllin Borges, Raynier Fernandes, Paulo Machado, Modou Sougou, Mohamed Larbi, Amine Chermiti

DID YOU KNOW?

• ATK are unbeaten at home this season (Played 2, Won 2).
• Mumbai are unbeaten away from home this season (Played 3, Won 1, Drawn 2)
• All three of Amine Chermiti’s goals have come while Mumbai were on the road.

Fan Speak:

Which attacking duo will have the bigger impact on the match?

• Roy Krishna - David Williams
• Amine Chermiti - Modou Sougou

Have your say in the comments below.

Live broadcast schedule:

Hero ISL 2019-20 Match 28: ATK vs Mumbai City FC

Time: 7:30 PM onwards, November 30

Channels: Star Sports Network

Streaming: Hotstar and Jio TV