ISL 2015: FC Pune City vs Atletico de Kolkata - Preview, Live stream & TV channel info, Team News, Prediction

Waking up from a slumber after their 1-2 defeat at the hands of FC Delhi Dynamos, David Platt and Company will look to regroup and sign off the first phase of their home assignment, when they take on Atletico de Kolkata in the Hero Indian Super League, at the Balewadi sports complex on Saturday.

There is nothing that is going to end the rotation of players policy by the former Manchester United man, Platt as he wants to make the best of his boys who are equal in all terms when it comes to the game according to him.

“Yes it is always a negative thought after the defeat but we shall put our foot forward in the right direction to grab three points,” said David Platt, the chief coach of FC Pune City who are among the first five in the points tally.

Atletico de Kolkata are unbeaten so far this season but the dressingroom will be a less than happy place due to their long injury list which is compounded by Baljit Sahni, who was handed a two-match suspension against FC Goa.

Fortunately for Atletico de Kolkata, coach Antonio Lopez Habas will have Ofentse Nato back after the influential Botswana midfielder returned from international duty.

With seven points from three matches (two wins and a draw), Kolkata are sitting comfortably at the top of the league and are followed by FC Goa, who have the same number of points from an extra match and an inferior goal average

Kickoff Time and Telecast

Live Telecast: Channel: StarSports 1, 2 StarSports HD1, HD2

Live Stream: starsports.com

Date and Time: Wednesday,17th October 2015 – 1900 IST

Venue: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex , Balewadi, Pune

Team News

Platt will be at ease after welcoming four of his players who were engaged with the national team. He did try Jackichand Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh for brief spells in the last game but can now also choose from Bikash Jairu and Pritam Kotal, all of whom missed the start of the league due to India’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Fortunately for Atletico de Kolkata, coach Antonio Lopez Habas will have Ofentse Nato back after the influential Botswana midfielder as mentioned earlier returned from international duty.

Their marquee signing Helder Postiga is completely fit and the return of the Indian players Arnab Mondal and Rino Anto will boost the defence.

Predicted Lineups

Atletico de Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Amrinder, Mondal, Anto, Josemi, Augustin, Gavilan, Borja, Nadong Bhutia, Arata, Lara, Hume

FC Pune City: (4-2-3-1): Arindam Bhattacharya, Bikash Jairu, Diego Colotto, Roger Johnson, Pritam Kotal, James Bailey, Israil Gurung, Lenny Rodrigues; Kalu Uche, Adrian Mutu, Jackichand Singh

Key Battles

Hume vs Lenny

Hume played at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina, alongside Atiba Hutchinson and Mike Klukowski among others. He starred for Canada at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. He scored three goals, including the game winner versus Czech Republic.

The winger has been a threat to all oppositions with his speed and ball control. He has overcome many hurdles including he sustained a fractured skull and internal bleeding following an elbow to the head, prior to challenging for the ball, from Chris Morgan against Sheffield United. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. On the other hand Lenny Rodrigues will have a close watch on the Canadian. The lanky midfielder has been in good nick both in the defence and going forward.

Arata Izumi vs Adrian Mutu

The Romanian, Mutu is a highly skillful and creative player, he is capable of playing in several offensive positions, as a supporting forward, striker, winger, and also attacking midfielder. On the other hand Arata Izumi is an Japanese born Indian footballer who is used to the conditions after his long stint with the Pune FC and will keep the rival defence on high alert

Prediction

Table toppers Atletico de Kolkata should grab three points, with the return of Ofentse Nato back should give them a edge over the opponents. David Platt also have their share but after the last encounter against Delhi, they look weak at least on paper. But the return of all the Indian players after their international commitments assures the Saturday crowd the money worth of this encounter.

FC Pune City 1-2 Atletico de Kolkata