ISL 2017, Match 27: Mumbai City FC vs ATK, Probable XI
Mumbai City FC are all set to welcome the defending champions ATK in their third home game of ISL 2017. Considering the past performances of both sides, this is going to be a really exciting game of football at the Mumbai Football Arena in the second game of Sunday's double-header.
The Mumbai side are coming off the back of a home win against the Season 2 champions Chennaiyin FC in their last home game and have won both of their games at home with an identical margin of 1-0. Similar to previous seasons, they will look to continue their winning streak at home against the winless ATK.
On the other side, ATK are coming into this game as the only team without a single win in ISL 2017. They have played two goalless draws and lost their remaining two games. Historically, the head-to-head battle between both sides is tied with three wins each and two draws. ATK will have to bounce back strongly to break their four-game winless streak.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Guimaraes is satisfied with the efforts of his side and happy with the improvement game-by-game. He is quite happy with his side's defensive performance, especially at home, where they have managed to keep two clean sheets in as many games.
The Costa Rican head coach is not expected to make too many changes to the starting XI. The only changes expected are of Raju Gaikwad and Leo Costa coming in place of Davinder Singh and Rafa Jorda. He is expected to continue his favoured formation of 3-2-4-1 to use the flanks to good effect.
Mumbai City FC Probable Starting XI: Amrinder, Wadoo, Goian, Raju, Vieira, Sehnaj, Emana, Ruidas, Costa, E. Santos, Balwant.
ATK
ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham believes that the need of improvement is there in all departments, especially in defence. However, he has worked on his boys over the weekend to rectify the problems and is confident of a good result tonight against Mumbai City FC.
After a substitute appearance in last game, Robbie Keane is expected to make his first start for ATK tonight in place of Kuqi. The English coach is expected to field his boys in 4-2-3-1 to give more support in defence.
ATK Probable Starting XI: Debjit, Prabir, Jordi, Thorpe, Keegan, Hitesh, Thomas, Rupert, Bipin, Zequinha, Keane.
Prediction
Mumbai City FC 2-1 ATK
Considering the form of both sides, ATK will have to wait a little longer to get the first win under their belt. We are expecting Mumbai City FC to take home all 3 points. However, the Mumbaikars needs to work hard to stop the ATK attack led by Irish striker Robbie Keane.