ISL 2015: Atletico de Kolkata vs FC Pune City- Preview, Live Stream & Channel Info, Team News, Prediction
Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata, who are currently sitting at the top of the Indian Super League standings, host FC Pune City at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata. Atletico de Kolkata are unbeaten in 4 games having won three of them while FC Pune City have not won in their last 5 games.
A win will seal Atletico de Kolkata’s place in the play-offs, while FC Pune City, who are sitting 6th in the points table, have some work to do to qualify for the playoffs. FC Pune City have not won a single away game this season, but Atletico de Kolkata have never beaten FC Pune City since the inception of the Indian Super League.
Atletico de Kolkata won their last game 4-0 against FC Goa at the Saltlake Stadium, which was also their biggest home win, while FC Pune City lost their last game 3-1 away to Delhi Dynamos.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: Star Sports 2 & 3, Star Sports HD2 & HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: 27 November 2015 – 19:00 IST
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Team News
Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas confirmed in his pre-match press conference that marquee signing Helder Postiga is still not match fit, and it’s highly unlikely he’ll even make it to the bench, despite training with the squad for two weeks. Former Eibar player Javi Lara is also out due to injury, and won’t make it to the matchday squad either. It’s highly likely Antonio Habas will retain the starting XI that played in the 4-0 win against FC Goa.
The back four of Rino Anto, Arnab Mondal, Tiri and Augustin Fernandes is likely to start again while Ofentse Nato and Borja Fernandez will start in the midfield. The attacking trio of Sameehg Doutie, Jamie Gavilan, and Mohammed Rafique will start just behind Iain Hume, who is in fine goal scoring form.
For FC Pune City, David Platt might consider a couple of changes after their 3-1 defeat to Delhi Dynamos. Jackichand Singh might come in for Sushanth Mathew while Tuncay Sanli might come in for Wesley Verhoek. Kalu Uche and Adrian Mutu are expected to start up front while Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Didier Zakora are likely to start in the midfield. The back four of Govin, Gouramangi, Johnson and Shorey is expected to be retained.
Probable starting XIs
Atletico de Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Amrinder, Anto, Mondal, Tiri, Fernandes, Nato, Borja, Rafique, Gavilan, Doutie, Hume
FC Pune City(4-4-2): Arindam; Govin, Gouramangi, Johnson, Shorey; Zokora, Lyngdoh, Jackichand Singh, Sanli, Mutu, Kalu Uche.
Key Battles:
Sameehg Doutie vs Govin
Atletico de Kolkata are currently sitting at the top of the table, and much of the credit goes to Sameehg Doutie. The South African has registered 3 goals and 5 assists in just 8 appearances and is now the first name on the team sheet after his impressive performances. He can be a nightmare for defenders with his ability to dribble and trickery. Govin faces a daunting task of keeping him quiet for 90 minutes with him being in fine form.
Iain Hume vs Roger Johnson
Iain Hume has regained his form after failing to score earlier in the season and has found the back of the net six times so far. The Canadian striker is also the most fouled player in the Indian Super League this season.
There is little doubt that Roger Johnson has been one of the best defenders for FC Pune City this season, and his ability to win headers makes it an interesting battle against Iain Hume. Johnson has made 18 tackles, 30 aerial duels and has made 16 interceptions so far in the tournament, and it won’t be easy for Iain Hume to get the better of him with ease.
Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata are in fine form, and they must itching to get the three points against FC Pune City to confirm their place in the play-offs.
Atletico de Kolkata 3-0 FC Pune City