Juan Ferrando's ATK Mohun Bagan wants to carry on their unbeaten streak against a motivated Odisha FC side beginning the new year with a win. Three points for the Mariners will put them within reach of the top place while for Odisha a playoff spot beckons for them.
ATKMB vs OFC Match Details :
When: Saturday, January 8th
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Fatorda Stadium
ATKMB vs OFC Match Preview :
The former FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando's impact has been fruitful for ATK Mohun Bagan as they derived necessary results from the last two games, a 2-1 victory over his old side and then starting the new year with a 2-2 draw against Hyderabad FC. The game against Nizams was full of drama including David Williams scoring the fastest ever goal in ISL history after quick orchestral passes leading up to the strike straight from the kickoff. The defense remained the problem though as ATKMB failed to keep a clean sheet for the seventh game running. They have also conceded more than one goal in three of the last four games. However, the Kolkata giant's defensive misery can be put to rest after Sandesh Jhighan rejoined the Green and Maroons following his unsuccessful spell at the Croatian club, HNK Sibenik. ATKMB have suffered without his leadership since his departure last year and with an unfit Tiri guarding and often makeshift backline, the club has conceded 18 goals comparing 15 conceded in the entirety of the last campaign.
Juan Ferrando now wishes his team doesn't falter at the back facing a jubilant Odisha FC after their unexpected win over Mumbai City FC by 4-2. Kiko Ramirez's team took full advantage of the recent slip of the Islanders to recover from their slump of going four games winless before this. Initially, MCFC cut off Ariday Cabrera's opener by taking the lead before halftime but then youngster Jerry took matters into his own hands by scoring a brace and providing an assist to make the night for Odisha. Despite their defense continuing leaking goals, the Juggernauts looked at their former self at the start of the campaign and are adamant to level this win as only a surprise. Their attack seemed refined again with Odisha FC scoring more than four goals for the first time since their 6-4 crazy victory over SC East Bengal last year. Coach Ramirez also said the mood in the camp was very positive after the win not only against the holders but also against a lethal attack. Odisha FC are desperate to follow up this win with more than three points against another opposition sustaining potent forward line.
Recent Form :
ATK Mohun Bagan: DDWWD
Odisha FC: LLDLW
ATKMB vs OFC Team News :
Juan Ferrando provided an update on Carl McHugh after the 28-year-old suffered a head injury in the draw against Hyderabad leaving a scare on his health. The Irishman's condition is currently being accessed by the doctors for the extent of his time out on the sidelines and the club is supporting him in every way possible for his recovery. He will certainly miss the clash with Odisha. Sandesh Jhighan has returned to the club from Croatia but he won't be fit enough to make his second debut on Saturday.
Odisha FC loaned out star midfielder Vinit Rai to Mumbai City FC for the rest of the season. He was one of the standout Indian player not only for the franchise but also in the league. Kiko Ramirez explained the situation that the player decided to leave and the board took the decision. No other fresh concerns for Odisha FC for this game.
ATKMB vs OFC Expected Lineups :
ATK Mohun Bagan: Amrinder Singh; Asutosh Mehta, Pritam Kotal, Tiri, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Lenny Rodrigues, Manvir Singh, Hugo Boumous, David Williams, Roy Krishna
Odisha FC: Kamaljit Singh, Hendry Antonay, Hector Rodas, Victor Mongil, Sahil Panwar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Thoiba Moirangthem, Issac Vanmalsawma, Nanda Kumar, Ariday Cabrera, Javi Hernandez
ATKMB vs OFC Head to Head :
The Green and Maroons were dominant in both the meetings with Odisha FC in ISL history last season. The first game required a late winner from Roy Krishna against a defensively resilient Juggernaut for a 1-0 win while in the other one, Odisha was blown away 4-1 by ATK Mohun Bagan with the Fiji striker scoring a late brace this time. Krishna also delivered two assists to Manvir Singh for his goals.
ATKMB vs OFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Kamaljit (OFC)
DEF: Antonay (OFC), Kotal (ATKMB), Rodas (OFC), Bose (ATKMB)
MID: Manvir (ATKMB), Boumous (ATKMB), Javi (OFC)
FW: Jerry (OFC), Krishna (ATKMB), Cabrera (OFC)
