ISL 2017/18, Match 56: ATK vs Chennaiyin FC, Probable XI

The defending champions are set to take on the 2015 champions.

The two-time ISL champions ATK are ready to host the season 2 champions Chennaiyin FC in their 4th home game of the season at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Historically, ATK are slightly ahead to Chennaiyin FC with three wins in nine head-to-head games as compared to two wins by the Super Machans.

Defending champions ATK are coming at the back of a three-goal defeat against FC Pune City and will aim to bounce back tonight. Considering the current scenario of the points table, ATK need to treat every game as a do-or-die match and can’t afford to lose anything going forward to stake their claim for a spot in the top four positions on the table.

Chennaiyin FC have defeated ATK in the reverse fixture and would like to repeat the same to claim the top spot in the league standings. They are coming at the back of an unexpected loss against NorthEast United FC and will look to get back to winning ways tonight.

There has been a trend with Chennaiyin FC that they have neither won back-to-back matches in last eight games, nor have they lost back-to-back clashes. ATK have also not lost back-to-back games so far in this season. Considering the trend, we can hope for an exciting encounter tonight.

ATK

ATK’s newly appointed interim head coach-cum technical director Ashley Westwood doesn’t write-off the chances of his boys and believes his team is capable of making a comeback in the league. They are up against the side chasing the top spot in the league table and have to produce their best to take anything away from the game.

With earlier coach being sacked, we are expecting Robin Singh, Kuqi and Anwar Ali to replace Thorpe, Jayesh and Hitesh Sharma in the starting XI from previous game. He is most likely to field his boys in traditional 4-4-2 formation to use the width of the pitch well while attacking.

ATK Probable Starting XI: Debjit, Prabir, Anwar, Montel, Keegan, Rupart, Thomas, Tylor, Zequinha, Robin, Kuqi.

Atletico de Kolkata Probable Starting XI

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory is finally returning to the technical area after a suspension of four games. He gives credit to medical staff for keeping the players fit, which is the main concern behind Chennaiyin FC’s brilliant performances so far. However, he doesn’t underestimate his opponents and termed them as one of the pioneer sides of the league.

With no injury concerns with the side, we can expect the arrival of Raphael Augusto in the starting XI in place of Mihelic. The English coach is most likely to continue playing 4-2-3-1 formation to control the ball in mid-field area.

Chennaiyin FC Probable Starting XI: Karanjit, Claderon, Mailson, Sereno, Jerry, Dhanpal, Thoi, Anirudh, Augusto, Nelson, Jeje.

Prediction

ATK 1-2 Chennaiyin FC

We are expecting Chennaiyin FC to claim the top spot and continue their trend of winning every alternate game tonight at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. ATK will have to work hard to stop the season two champions.