The 9th match of ISL 2017 sees ATK take on FC Pune City at home. Both teams failed to win their first match. While ATK played a goalless draw, FC Pune City started their campaign with a loss in their home match against Delhi Dynamos.
Goalkeeper
Debjit Majumdar: ATK kept a clean sheet against Kerala Blasters in their opening match, restricting them to only 8 shots. With ATK playing at home and expected to do much of the attacking, Debjit is not expected to be particularly busy and may end up keeping a clean sheet.
Defenders
Keegan Perreira: The experienced defender had a good match contributing both in attack, and in defence. He completed 46 passes with an accuracy of 76.66%.
Lalchhuanmawia Fanai: The towering left back from Manipur was perhaps the only Pune defender to emerge with some credit from the poor defensive performance against Delhi. The experienced defender’s aerial prowess means he can contribute offensively as well.
Prabir Das: The marauding right-back had a good match against Kerala Blasters in their opener. He was strong defensively and got forward at every opportunity. With ATK playing at home, Prabir Das has a good chance of scoring some attacking points.
Midfielders
Zequinha: The tricky winger came closest to scoring striking the post from a long-range shot. The Brazilian attempted the most shots by an ATK player against Kerala Blasters, highlighting his attacking potential.
Conor Thomas: The Englishman produced a brilliant performance in ATK’s opening match against Kerala Blasters. He helped ATK take control of the match through his faultless distribution. The 23-year-old misplaced just 4 of his 69 passes and also contributed defensively.
Marcos Tebar: The Spanish midfielder attempted the most passes by any Pune player in their opening match against Delhi Dynamos. The 31-year-old also scored in the dying seconds of the match to highlight his goal scoring potential.
Jonatan Lucca: The Brazilian midfielder didn’t enjoy the best of matches in FC Pune City’s opener against Delhi Dynamos. But Lucca is a strong defensive player and is also a reputed free kick taker. Last season, he managed 5 assists in the 14 matches he played, no player had managed more assists in ISL 2016. Despite his below-par opening match, he is a must pick for your fantasy teams.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh: Lyngdoh was impressive in ATK’s opening match. The 31- year-old along with Conor Thomas helped ATK to control the midfield. With Lyngdoh lining up against his former team, he will be extra motivated to do well.
Forwards
Emiliano Alfaro: Emiliano Alfaro showed his predatory skills scoring a goal out of nothing. Despite FC Pune City struggling, Alfaro was bright and tried to make things happen. The Uruguayan’s lethal finishing means he just has to be in your fantasy teams.
Marcelinho: The Brazilian forward didn’t enjoy the best of matches in Pune's opening game, managing just a single shot in the entire match, but his undoubted class means he still popped with an assist. The FC Pune City captain will look for an improved performance against ATK.