ATK Mohun Bagan take on Mumbai City in an ISL IX match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
A win for the Islanders will extend the gap between them and Hyderabad FC to four points. On the other hand, the Mariners can move up to third place if they secure their first-ever victory over Mumbai City FC.
This will be ATK Mohun Bagan’s first encounter in the New Year, as Juan Ferrando’s side was on a break during the last match-week after the Mariners ended 2022 on a high with a 2-1 win over FC Goa.
The two top scorers of the club, Dimitri Petratos and Hugo Boumous, found the back of the net against the Gaurs.
In addition to that, ATK Mohun Bagan have strengthened their squad with the addition of midfielders Federico Gallego and Puitea.
Carl McHugh has been impressive in the Mariners midfield and has filled the void left by the injured Joni Kauko.
When the two sides met earlier this season, McHugh scored in the 89th minute to rescue a point for ATK Mohun Bagan.
“The plan for us is always the same. We try to keep the ball, play attacking football and get three points. Sometimes it works, other times, it does not,” Ferrando said.