An exhilarating Indian Super League season will crown its champion as ATK Mohun Bagan tackle Bengaluru FC for the silverware on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium right here on Saturday.
A win for the Mariners can hand them their maiden ISL title, whereas the Blues might elevate their second one, having final completed so within the 2018-19 season. Atletico Kolkata (ATK) earlier than Mohun Bagan was purchased over, had gained ISL titles.
ATKMB have been unbeaten in 5 video games main as much as the ultimate, the place they’ve solely conceded as soon as in these 5 video games whereas retaining 4 clear sheets.
The membership’s defensive prowess has been evident because the league part, the place they conceded simply 17 targets all season, making them statistically the second-best defensive crew within the league after Hyderabad FC.
A strong defensive backline with Pritam Kotal and Brendan Hamill enabled the Mariners to attain this feat.
However, within the final 4 video games, Slavko Damjanovic has changed Hamill on the coronary heart of defence as ATK Mohun Bagan have saved clear sheets in all these video games. Asish Rai has been a risk down the suitable flank.
In assault, the one participant that head coach Juan Ferrando could possibly be with out is Ashique Kuruniyan, however the ATKMB coach is constructive about him enjoying. He will probably be assessed in coaching earlier than the ultimate towards his former membership.
“In the last few games, they (Bengaluru FC) have been very good and have played confidently. On the field, they look like a proper team. It will be very important to control this game from the start. The focus, as always, is on our team, and we have faith in our plan,” stated Ferrando.
Despite beating League Shield winners Mumbai City FC on penalties within the semi-final, Bengaluru FC suffered their first regulation-time defeat of the 12 months within the second leg. The Blues have been on a 10-game successful run earlier than the Islanders restored parity and finally misplaced on penalties.
Head coach Simon Grayson has used Sunil Chhetri as an affect substitute and within the final 5 video games, the 38-year-old Indian skipper has come on to attain important targets on three events.
Grayson will probably discipline an unchanged XI within the last with Chhetri on the bench, whereas Roy Krishna and proficient Sivasakthi Narayanan – who assisted their solely aim final sport – might begin.
“Leaving someone of his quality, experience and professionalism out is a really tough decision. But as a coach, regardless if it’s Sunil Chhetri or Rohit Kumar, I have to make what I think is the right decision,” stated Grayson.
“(ATKMB) are defensively very strong, they’ve some good defenders, and good competitors for locations. We will respect the opposition however I’m positive they’re going to know that we’ve some first rate gamers in our crew.
“Hopefully, when we’re talking after the game, it will have been a great advert for the ISL and Indian football,” he added.
In six ISL matches prior to now, Bengaluru FC have solely crushed ATKMB as soon as and that got here when the 2 sides final met on the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan final month. The Mariners have crushed the Blues 4 instances.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
