ISL 2018-19: Bengaluru FC vs ATK: A pre-match report
The Indian Super League is in full swing, and tonight table-toppers Bengaluru FC will take to the field to face ATK at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. While Bengaluru have remained unbeaten till date in the present season, Kolkata-based ATK are lagging behind at the sixth spot with 16 points, eight behind their opponents tonight. Will Bengaluru continue their unbeaten streak? Match preview here.
How are the two teams shaping up for the encounter?
Bengaluru will be without Miku (injury) and Harmanjot Khabra (suspension) as they line up for tonight's fixture. They will be raring for a win after two successive draws and will possibly line-up in the 4-3-3 formation with Serran and Juanan as dependable center-backs. ATK have no injury and suspension worries, and with their 4-2-3-1 formation, will try to keep the Bengaluru attack in check.
Important pointers and key players for the match
Sunil Chhetri has not managed to find the net in the last three matches after netting in five this season without a single penalty. Bengaluru were hugely dependant on Miku, and his absence has visibly impacted their performance as was seen in the last two fixtures. Eli Babalj can boost ATK's chances tonight, and so will be the presence of Thatal in the wings.
TV listing and probable line-ups for tonight
Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet; Bheke, Serran, Juanan, Nishu; Paartalu, Xisco, Delgado; Udanta, Chhetri, Semboi. ATK: Bhattacharya; Mukherjee, Johnson, Bikey, Lallawmawma; Halder, Vieira; Sharma, Lanzarote, Thatal; Santos. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM, and can be watched on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar or JioTV.
How can the match pan out tonight?
Bengaluru will be the clear favorites tonight, but considering the fact that they are still winless after Miku's injury, anything can happen tonight. ATK can equal fourth-placed Jamshedpur's points tally tonight if they win the match, and will surely give their everything to secure a victory. Pronoy Haldar being back into the fold will be another boost for the visitors.
What stories does the league table reveal?
Bengaluru still have one match in hand and winning this fixture will see them soar six points above second-placed Mumbai FC. Tomorrow's match between Goa and NorthEast will be very vital as the Highlanders can topple Mumbai from the second spot if they end up winning the match, and can also narrow down the margin between themselves and Bengaluru.
