Two-time champions ATK host NorthEast United FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The winner of this tie will be avoiding finishing last, and while ATK would just need a draw to ensure that happens, nothing less than a win will do for the Highlanders. The hosts are winless in their last eight encounters, losing seven of them, while the visitors are winless in their last seven and head into the contest on the back of five straight defeats.
HEAD TO HEAD
ATK 4–2 NorthEast United FC (1 Draw)
KEY PLAYERS
Robbie Keane (ATK)
The Irishman has had a season plagued by injuries, but whenever on the pitch he has delivered the goods. His poaching instincts and clinical finishing has troubled his opponents throughout, and he is his team’s top scorer with five goals. Keane will look to bag a few more in ATK’s last match and help the club finish their campaign on a positive note.
Lalrindika Ralte (NorthEast United FC)
The ex-ATK player has not had as much success this season as he did with his former team in ISL 2016. However, he has been dangerous with the ball at his feet, creating openings frequently. A versatile player who can play on the flanks as well as in midfield, Ralte has an assist to his name and will look to make an impact during his return to Kolkata.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
ATK
ATK is likely to use a 4-4-2 formation, allowing enough movement in the midfield to aid both attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: Soram Poirei
Defenders: Keegan Pereira, Jordi Montel, Ashutosh Mehta, Prabir Das
Midfielders: Bipin Singh, Conor Thomas, Hitesh Sharma, Jayesh Rane
Forward: Robbie Keane, Martin Paterson
NorthEast United FC
Avram Grant will probably use a 4-2-3-1 formation as the Highlanders look to avoid a bottom-placed finish.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Jose Goncalves, Sambinha, Reagan Singh
Midfielders: John Mosquera, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Maic Sema, Halicharan Narzary
Forward: Danilo Lopes
KEY STATS
– Both sides have the least number of wins this season (3)
– The Highlanders have lost the most number of matches (12) followed by ATK (10)
PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER
NorthEast United FC 0 – 1 ATK (12th January 2018 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
ATK: L L L D L
NorthEast United FC: L L L L L