ISL: Atletico de Kolkata vs FC Pune City - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata host FC Pune City at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Table toppers Atletico's last game against Chennaiyin FC ended in a draw, but their opponents FC Pune City won their last game against NorthEast United 1-0. Kolkata striker Fikru and manager Antonio Habas return from suspension for the game against FC Pune City. They are the only unbeaten side in the Indian Super League and FC Pune City will have to be in top form if they want to take back something out of the game.
Venue & Kick-off
Salt Lake stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Kolkata. It is the biggest stadium in India and second biggest in the whole of Asia, boasting of a capacity of 1,20,000. The capacity has been reduced to 68,000 after the installation of bucket seats.
Kick-off: November 7, 2014 – 7:00 PM (IST)
Possible starting Line-Ups
Atletico De Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Subhashish Roy Chowdhury; Kingshuk Debnath, José Miguel González Rey, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Baljit Sahni, Luis Garcia, Jakub Podany, Fikru
Fikru Lemessa is back after his suspension and will directly go into the starting XI. Spaniard Jofre is suspended against FC Pune City after receiving a red card against Chennaiyin FC and Jakub Podany is expected to replace him in the starting XI. Former Liverpool man Luis Garcia produced a Man of the Match performance against Chennaiyin FC and Kolkata fans will be hoping the same from him again.
Indian international Denzil Franco is out for the rest of the season and Kingshuk Debnath will continue at the right back spot in his absence. Arnab Mondal and Josemi have been solid at back for Kolkata, so no changes are expected in the heart of the defence. Biswajit Saha will fill the right back slot. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury will return to the starting XI after he was dropped against Chennaiyin FC for Apoula Edel.
FC Pune City (4-4-2): Arindam, Anupam Sarkar, Magliocchetti, Cirillo, Pritam, Lenny, Katsouranis, Gurung, Davide, Bolado, Dudu
Marquee signing David Trezeguet has not travelled to Kolkata for the game against Atletico de Kolkata. According to reports, FC Pune City management decided to rest him and prevent any possible injury due to the artificial turf installed at Salt Lake stadium. Nigerian player Dudu is expected to replace him in the starting XI. Anupam Sarkar and Pritam are expected to fill fullbacks positions.
Magliocchetti and Cirillo will be playing at the heart of the defense and they will be hoping to keep Garcia and co. silent throughout the game. Arindam might continue in goal after an impressive performance against NorthEast United.
Key Battles
Luis Garcia vs Kostas Katsouranis
Champions League winner Luis Garcia has been a crucial part of Atletico de Kolkata's success till now. The former Liverpool star has produced some sublime passes for his attackers throughout the tournament. Almost every attack from Atletico involves Luis Garcia.
And if FC Pune City are hoping to take away any points from the league leaders, defensive midfielder Kostas Katsouranis will have to be in top form. The former Greek international Kostas Katsouranis will need to be careful of Garcia's defence splitting passes and shot taking abilities from distance.
Fikru vs Bruno Cirillo
The return of the ISL’s top scorer Fikru will be a major boost for the home side and a big threat for Pune. Fikru is known for his instinctive shots on goal, stunning volleys and back-heel finishes. The 28-year-old has already scored two goals, and with the support of Luis Garcia in the midfield, they can form a match winning partnership once again. Italian defender Bruno Cirillo will have to stay alert if he intends to keep the Ethopian international silent throughout the game.
Prediction
Expect the home side to remain unbeaten and beat FC Pune City comfortably after dropping points in the last two home games.
Atletico de Kolkata 3-0 FC Pune City