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ISL-4: ATK look for resurgence against visiting Jamshedpur FC!

Defending champions ATK host debutants Jamshedpur FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. The two-time champions come off the back of consecutive defeats at the hands of FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC respectively, and with their hopes of clinching a playoff berth gradually fading, they would want to pull up their socks for this one.

On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC were also victim to a defeat at the hands of FC Pune City in their last fixture, but currently have a better chance of making it to the top four with 16 points in their bag. They, however, would be wary of the home crowd who will try their best to unsettle the visitors and keep them from securing an important win, which would keep them amongst the mix of contenders.

HEAD TO HEAD

ATK 0–0 Jamshedpur FC (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Conor Thomas (ATK)

The Englishman has played his part to the tee in his debut Hero ISL season, having taken on the role of a midfield anchorman for ATK. Slick and incisive with his passes, Thomas also breaks down several attacking moves from the opposition by dropping into the defence line. The 24-year-old has a knack of reading the game well and is not shy of pushing forward to be involved in attacks either.

Memo (Jamshedpur FC)

The Brazilian has anchored the midfield well for Jamshedpur. An influential customer, Memo is adept at breaking down opposition attacks while also carrying forward counters with gusto. He often surges forward and puts in a good few crosses from the flanks, while also protecting the backline to good effect. The 29-year-old gets plenty of shots away as well and will look to have an impact when his team visits Kolkata.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

ATK

Ashley Westwood would probably field his team in the 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing enough back-up in defence to contain Jamshedpur’s attack and also to add intent upfront.

Goalkeeper: Debjit Majumder

Defenders: Keegan Pereira, Ashutosh Mehta, Tom Thorpe, Prabir Das

Midfielders: David Cotterill, Ryan Taylor, Conor Thomas, Rupert Nongrum, Jayesh Rane

Forward: Martin Paterson

ATK’s interim head coach on his team’s current mentality: “We’re as confident as we can be. There was a bit of a reaction in the last game. We were unlucky with the three injuries but there were encouraging signs. The players showed aggression and energy. I’m sure we’re going to build on that tomorrow.”

Jamshedpur FC

Steve Coppell may use a 4-2-3-1 formation that provides enough versatility in the middle and on the flanks.

Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul

Defenders: Souvik Chakrabarti, Anas Edathodika, Tiri, Andre Bikey

Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Wellington Priori, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Farukh Choudhary

Forward: Izu Azuka

Jamshedpur’s gaffer on what he expects from the encounter: “I’m expecting a tough game. Now that there’s a distance building between the top four teams and the rest, it’s up to the other teams to try and bridge the gap. I’ve been there and I know what it’s like. I expect a very competitive match.”

KEY STATS

– Jamshedpur have four wins, four draws and four losses from all of their fixtures this season, while ATK has three wins, three draws and five losses

– The league debutants have the least number of goals scored against them so far (11) and the maximum clean sheets (5)

LAST ENCOUNTER

Jamshedpur FC 0–0 ATK (1st December 2017 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur)

FORM GUIDE

ATK: L L W L D

Jamshedpur FC: L W W L D

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