As the Hero Indian Super League reaches its end, the image of the playoffs is getting clearer as the top 2 spots are getting sealed by Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City. With the two clubs firm on the table, the 3rd and 4th spots are being tussled hard between 4 different clubs. To keep things interesting, ATK hosts Jamshedpur FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Kolkata this Sunday.
The two-time champions ATK were well known for their attacking prospects till the previous season. This edition, even after having players with the potential in the squad, ATK has failed to accomplish a team's primary objective on the pitch - scoring goals. The team has scored only 11 goals, the least by any side so far. However, the new signings have brought back the goal scoring hopes along with the playoff hopes. Steve Coppell's team is 6th on the points table with 17 points. A draw or loss will take away a major portion of the Kolkata side's knockout dreams.
Jamshedpur FC has a lineup rich in experience and talent. With an equal mix of the young legs and experienced lads, JFC has found a good rhythm to match the likes of the better teams on the table. The club managed by Cesar Fernando drew with Bengaluru FC and was better in the outings against Mumbai City and FC Goa. Jamshedpur FC is currently 5th on ISL standings with 20 points from 13 games.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Match Information
Date: 3 February 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: ATK vs Jamshedpur FC Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium)
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Team News
ATK
Emiliano Alfaro will be missing the crucial game due to injury.
Jamshedpur FC
JFC too has their vital striker Tim Cahill out of selection with an injury.
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Probable Lineups
ATK (4-2-3-1): Arindam Bhattacharya, Pritam Kotal, John Johnson, Ricky Lallawmawma, Gerson Vieira, Pronay Halder, Everton Santos, Edu Garcia, Jayesh Rane, Manuel Lanzarote, Balwant Singh.
Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1): Subrata Paul, Robin Gurung, Raju Gaikwad, Tiri, Dhanachandra Singh, Mario Arques, Memo, Pablo Morgado, Michael Soosairaj, Sergio Cidoncha, Farukh Choudhary.
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Form Guide
ATK: D-L-D-W-D
Jamshedpur FC: D-W-D-D-W
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Head-to-Head
ATK: 0
Jamshedpur FC: 1
Draw: 2
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Key Players
ATK
ATK has made the most valuable signing of this winter, by bringing in Edu Garcia into their outfit. The Spanish midfielder has already announced his arrival by scoring a goal against Kerala Blasters in his first match for the Kolkata club. The former Bengaluru FC player has 3 goals and 5 assists in ISL, showing his vital presence in the team's midfield.
Jamshedpur FC
Sergio Cidoncha will be the most valuable player in Jamshedpur's lineup at Kolkata. The 28-year old has the ability to win possession in the midfield which will be important to counter ATK's game plans. Cidoncha, who has 3 goals and 3 assists this season will be vital in opening up chances for the forward upfront.
ATK vs Jamshedpur FC: Predictions
The game will be crucial for both the teams, ATK, in particular, to keep their chances alive in the league. However, ATK's defensive strategies have been a 'point-killer' which they will have to change in this fixture. But still, it looks difficult for Steve Coppell to beat his previous club in the ISL and a draw looks the most probable result.
Predicted Score - ATK 1:1 Jamshedpur FC