ISL 2017/18: Marcelinho and Robbie Keane set to return to action in Pune City-ATK clash
FC Pune City will look to get back to winning ways against ATK tomorrow on their home turf. After an agonizing late loss against Chennaiyin FC in Chennai and a draw on the road against Kerala Blasters, the Stallions are set to play in front of their fans after 20 days. A win is a must for both the teams albeit for two altogether different reasons.
ATK need all three points to stay in contention for the fourth spot whereas Pune need a win to stay clear of the likes of FC Goa and Mumbai City in third place. The last meeting between these two sides ended in a chastening defeat for the reigning champions with Pune running out 4-1 winners at Kolkata.
Teddy Sheringham was not happy with the result of that day and is now intent on changing the narrative. In his pre-match press conference, the Premier League legend said, "We weren't happy with the performance against Pune that day. We are here to make amends and hope to go back home with all three points."
FC Pune City have not been able to churn out positive results at home so far in the season which could play in the hands of tomorrow's visitors. But Sheringham explained that previous results do not matter much and praised the hosts for their brilliant run this season.
Meanwhile, Vladica Grujic, FC Pune City's assistant manager did not pay much heed to the previous result between these two sides and maintained that ATK are a strong unit who can prove to be a handful for the Stallions. He also praised the likes of Ryan Taylor, Zequinha and Robin Singh when interacting with the media.
ATK have been criticized for their lack of goals this season whereas FC Pune City have received flak for their lacklustre defending at times. The champions have scored more than one goal in a game just once this season while on the other hand, FC Pune have conceded 11 goals this season - 10 of which were conceded in the second half. Both sets of coaches admitted their flaws but maintained that the work is being done behind the scenes to rectify those mistakes.
Meanwhile, Teddy Sheringham revealed that Robbie Keane is in contention to start against FC Pune City tomorrow after missing the win over North East United with an ankle issue. For the Stallions, Marcelinho is back and is expected to feature tomorrow along with the two new signings that Pune have signed in the transfer window.