ISL 2017, Match 9: ATK vs FC Pune City, Predicted XI
After playing a goalless draw in Kerala, ATK are back in the City of Joy to host FC Pune City in their first home game of this season. Despite playing a top class game, ATK have failed to find that one opportunity to take all 3 points home against Kerala Blasters in the ISL 2017 season opener.
On the other side, FC Pune City lost their opening game against Delhi Dynamos by 3-2. Despite having one of the best attacking units on paper, they have left it too late to score their goals in their first game. The Stallions have struggled away from home in the past and they cannot have a better opportunity to make a statement by winning their first away game against the defending champions.
Let’s see what both sides have to offer in their second game of the ISL 2017.
ATK
ATK have always been a team to beat at their home ground and they will definitely look to continue the similar pattern this time around. ATK coach must be happy with the performance of their defence against the attack-heavy Kerala Blasters in their opening game.
The former Man United striker Teddy Sheringham is expected to replace Hitesh Sharma with tried and tested forward Robin Singh to provide more attacking option up front. He might look to field the traditional 4-4-2 formation, which can easily become 4-3-3 by Zequinha coming forward along with Robin and Njazi.
ATK Probable Starting XIFC Pune City
ATK Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Debjit, Prabir, Thorpe, Jordi, Keegan, Rupart, Thomas, Lyngdoh, Zequinha, Robin, Njazi.
FC Pune City
Despite having one of the most attacking squads in the competition, FC Pune City had left it too late to score in their first game and they will look to avoid that mistake going into their 2nd match of the season.
Serbian head coach Ranko Popovic is aware of the fact that defeating ATK in front of their fans is not an easy task. He might go with same combination upfront, but definitely have to make some changes defensively. We are expecting Adli Khan to come in for Rohit to partner Tebar in CDM position.
FC Pune City Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Kamlajit, Gurtej, Gomez, Sarthak, Adil, Fanai, Tebar, Lucca, Jewel, Marcelinho, Alfaro.
Prediction:
ATK 2-3 FC Pune City
We are expecting a goal-fest here at the Salt Lake from both sides, with FC Pune City taking home all 3 points this time around. ATK defence needs to work really hard to stop the Stallions' attack.