Defending champions ATK host last year’s semi-finalist Mumbai City FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.  The home team have failed to secure a single win in their last five encounters and is almost at the brink of losing out on their first-ever playoff berth. Three points will still give them a glimmer of hope and some joy to their passionate fans.

The Islanders, on the other hand, sit a position above their opponent at seventh in the league standings. They too are not in good form, having lost four of their previous five encounters. With a better chance of vying for the top-four spot than the two-time champions, Mumbai will look to go for the kill and take advantage of ATK’s stuttering form in Kolkata.

HEAD TO HEAD

ATK 4 – 3 Mumbai City FC (2 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Ryan Taylor (ATK)

The Englishman has been the architect of the ATK midfield, creating openings and also weaving chances for his teammates. Deft with his touches and an expert from dead-ball situations, Taylor has given a definite edge to the ATK attacking line. He has a goal and a couple of assists this season and will look to create a major impact when his team welcomes Mumbai.

Thiago Santos (Mumbai City FC)

The Brazilian has been one of the main attacking threats in the Mumbai City side. He is quick, possesses excellent dribbling abilities and is also a crisp passer of the ball. A clinical finisher as well, Thiago has five goals and an assist this season and will look to inspire his team to a win in Kolkata.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

ATK

Ashley Westwood will probably go with the 4-4-2 formation, allowing enough movement in the midfield to aid both attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: Debjit Majumder

Defenders: Keegan Pereira, Jordi Montel, Tom Thorpe, Prabir Das

Midfielders: Darren Caldeira, Conor Thomas, Ryan Taylor, Jayesh Rane

Forward: Robin Singh, Martin Paterson

ATK’s interim head coach on what’s the motivation for his team: "We have personal pride as professional footballers at the end of the day. You want to win games. If you are not firing all cylinders, if you are not playing correctly, you cannot win a football match. To do that you have to give your best and work really hard. And for me, that’s enough motivation."

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility both in attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sanju Pradhan

Midfielders: Everton Santos, Achille Emana, Sahil Tavora, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos

Forward: Balwant Singh

Mumbai’s head coach on his opponents of the night: "I think that it has been a transition season for ATK, so it’s not easy for them. Like us, from the beginning they had injuries to important players."

KEY STATS

• The teams have the joint third highest defeats this season (7)
• Both the clubs have a better record away than at home, with Mumbai having lost five of their seven losses this season at home and ATK facing four losses out of their total of seven at home

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER

Mumbai City FC 0 – 1 ATK (17^th December 2017 at the Mumbai Football Arena)

FORM GUIDE

ATK: D L L L L

Mumbai City FC: L L W L L