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Indian Super League (ISL) debutants Bengaluru FC play host to reigning champions ATK in ISL 2017-18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. After a flying start to the campaign, the Blues tasted back-to-back home defeats before bouncing back in style with a clinical 3–1 win over Kerala Blasters FC at Kochi last time around. They will, however, need to shake off their indifferent form at home when ATK visit them. In contrast, the two-time champions had a poor start to their campaign but have picked up form as the season has progressed and are currently unbeaten in their last three fixtures, winning two. They will want to continue their steady rise in the points table by taking advantage of Bengaluru’s recent slump at home.
KEY PLAYERS
Udanta Singh (Bengaluru FC)
The speedy winger has been a livewire in the Bengaluru attack. Nimble-footed and a prodigious dribbler, it is quite a task for any defence in the league to contain him. An accurate passer of the ball, the 21-year-old can make life difficult for full-backs and is capable of creating numerous openings. With two assists to his name already, he will want to be at his deadly best against ATK.
Zequinha (ATK)
The Portuguese has led the attack well alongside Robbie Keane. Before the Irishman’s introduction in the league, it was Zequinha who was involved in almost all the chances created by ATK. He is quick and clinical with his finishing, and loves to carry the ball forward. Zequinha has scored a goal and provided an assist already and will want to continue in the same vein of form against Bengaluru.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Bengaluru FC
Albert Roca will probably go for a 4-1-4-1 formation, which relies heavily on their midfield and flanks for proper service to the striker.
Bengaluru head coach Albert Roca on their recent home losses: We lost the game (against Jamshedpur FC) in the last minute. That’s a good lesson for us. Sometimes one point is better than none. We took our eyes off the defence and the result was not so good. I take responsibility in circumstances like this. In football, you have to always see when you make mistakes. I have to see myself if I did any error there. We have to look forward and not repeat the mistakes.”
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Harmanjot Khabra, Rahul Bheke, Juanan, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders: Dimas Delgado, Edu Garcia, Erik Paartalu, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh
Forward: Miku
ATK
Teddy Sheringham is likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers his team multiple options in attack.
Goalkeeper: Debjit Majumder
Defenders: Ashutosh Mehta, Anwar Ali, Tom Thorpe, Prabir Das
Midfielders: Zequinha, Ryan Taylor, Conor Thomas, Hitesh Sharma, Jayesh Rane
Forward: Robbie Keane
ATK assistant coach Bastab Roy on the schedule ahead: “This week is very unpredictable. If you win one or two matches, you go to the top four, top five. This is not the right time to think of the top four. It will be decided in the last few games, the league is quite open.”
KEY STATS
– Bengaluru FC have been involved in no draws, while ATK have shared the spoils thrice this season
– ATK have lost twice this campaign, whereas Bengaluru – who are currently six points ahead of the Kolkata-based outfit – have been beaten thrice
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Bengaluru FC: W L L W W
ATK: D W W L D
