ATK Mohun Bagan, fourth on the Indian Super League (ISL) table now, would be aiming to climb higher when they face a struggling Jamshedpur FC (JFC) at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Thursday.

With JFC on a six-game losing streak, ATK Mohun Bagan, who had won their last two games, would hope to earn full points.

But the Mariners had lost their last two games against JFC. In fact, they had faced JFC four times in the ISL, losing thrice and winning only once.

ATK Mohun Bagan have had a bit of a rollercoaster ride in the opening few months of this ISL season. They’ve suffered some losses, but have also been able to grind out narrow wins to stay in the race.

Coach Juan Ferrando is well aware that his side would have a fair chance to win the game against JFC and he would want his side to thrill their fans at home with a convincing win.

The stakes are quite high for them. If they drop more points they would move out of the race for that AFC Champions League spot.

JFC, on the other hand, have lost their last six games. They are heading into this game as the underdogs, and know another loss could see them match North East United FC’s record for the most successive losses in the ISL.

For ATK Mohun Bagan, the major absentee remainsJoni Kauko – who is out for the rest of the season and might be replaced in January.

TODAY’S MATCH

ATK Mohun Bagan vs JFC. Kick-off at 7.30 pm