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FC Pune City host ATK in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Saturday. The Stallions have picked up just one point from their previous two fixtures and come off the back of a 1–0 setback against Chennaiyin FC in a match where they dominated for large phases. Against the defending champions, they will hope to be more clinical in the final third. Two-time champions ATK have been inconsistent, but they have played fewer games than most teams above them and will have momentum on their side following a 1–0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their last outing. With a win, ATK can put themselves in the top four reckoning, however, they will be wary of their poor record against Pune.
HEAD TO HEAD
FC Pune City 4–1 ATK (2 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Emiliano Alfaro (FC Pune City)
The Uruguayan has been at his prolific best this season in the attacking front for his team. His combination with Brazilian Marcelinho has worked wonders for the Stallions. The two South Americans have linked up effectively to tear apart opposition defences with their blistering pace and clinical finishing. Alfaro has five goals and an assist to his name this season and will look to put on his scoring boots when ATK come calling.
Prabir Das (ATK)
The right back has been consistently producing stellar performances for ATK down the right channel. Not only is Das a strong defender who is tough to bypass, he is very quick with the ball as well, initiating counter-attacks with gusto. His crossing has been exceptional, and as a reliable defender and a useful attacker, Das is one of the few proven multi-utility players in the league. The Indian full-back will have a big job at hand against Pune’s dangerous frontline.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
FC Pune City
Ranko Popovic will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Emiliano Alfaro spearheading the Stallions’ attack.
Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai
Midfielders: Diego Carlos, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan
Forward: Emiliano Alfaro
Pune’s assistant coach Vladica Grujic on how to tackle the opponents: “Tomorrow, we face the champions from last year. They are a very strong opponent. We know how they play. We have to mobilise. We have to give everything to try to win this game.”
ATK
Teddy Sheringham is also likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers his team numerous options in attack.
Goalkeeper: Debjit Majumder
Defenders: Ashutosh Mehta, Jordi Montel, Tom Thorpe, Prabir Das
Midfielders: Zequinha, Ryan Taylor, Conor Thomas, Hitesh Sharma, Jayesh Rane
Forward: Robin Singh
ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham on his team’s objectives for the fixture: “The result is all we want to change. That’s what it’s about. That’s what makes football so fun to be involved in. We weren’t happy with the 4 – 1 loss in the first game, and we are here to make amends for that.”
KEY STAT
– ATK have never beaten the Stallions in Pune
LAST ENCOUNTER
ATK 1–4 FC Pune City (26th November 2017 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
FC Pune City: L D W W L
ATK: W L D W W
