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Reigning champions ATK host FC Goa at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday in the new year’s first encounter. After a disappointing start to Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18, the Kolkata outfit got their campaign back on track by registering back-to-back wins in their last two encounters. On the other hand, Goa’s rampant goal-scoring was neutralised in their last encounter against FC Pune City after the Gaurs failed to score for the first time in the current season. Goa will thus be hoping for their deadly attacking combination to fire once again and get past the hosts’ resolute defence.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
ATK 3:0 FC Goa (5 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Robbie Keane (ATK)
ATK have been looking a completely different side after the inclusion of Irish legend, Robbie Keane in their stating line-up following his return from injury. Not only is he feeding the attack by stringing passes together in the final third, but his presence up front also has an effect on opponent defences. He scored his maiden ISL goal in ATK’s previous match, while playing out the entire 90 minutes and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again against Goa.
Ferran Corominas (FC Goa)
Corominas is ‘the’ individual every opponent defence presently needs to be wary of. The Spaniard’s runs, intricate ball placement and ability to latch on to good through balls has seen him find the back of the net eight times, including two hat-tricks. His camaraderie with fellow Spaniard Manuel Lanzarote is the Gaur’s biggest asset and after failing to score in their previous encounter, Corominas will be itching to come back stronger.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
ATK
Teddy Sheringham is likely to stick to the 4-1-4-1 formation, which had brought rich dividends last time around.
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’s head coach on Goa: “I have been very impressed with them (FC Goa). They have very good foreign players and one or two very good Indian players as well. Again, like every other game we play in the ISL, we are going to have to be at our very best to beat them. They are a very dangerous team.”
FC Goa
Sergio Lobera is likely to counter with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation which ensures Corominas is well fed upfront.
Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani
Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Bruno Pinheiro, Seriton Fernandes
Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote
Forward: Ferran Corominas
Goa’s assistant coach Derrick Pereira on the defending champions: “It is their (ATK) home match and they have a good side. Every team is trying to settle down and find the right combination. As the competition progresses, I think the teams are getting settled. A different style of play which we will be facing but we will focus on our style of playing and have a good game tomorrow.”
KEY STATS
● FC Goa have never beaten ATK
● ATK have drawn 3 of their 4 games in Kolkata against FC Goa
● FC Goa have scored only 5 goals against ATK, their fewest against any side playing since the first season
● These two sides have managed to draw 5 games against each other, the most by any pair in Hero ISL
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
ATK: W W L D L
FC Goa: L W W W L
