Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

ISL: ATK vs MCFC: Preview, Timing, Live Streaming, Where to Watch: Mumbai hope to turn it around against desperate ATK

ATK and Mumbai City FC have everything to play for as they chase a place among the top four in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Friday (February 21).

Mumbai City FC will qualify for the play-offs with a win. Credit: ISL Media

Kolkata, February 21: ATK and Mumbai City FC have everything to play for as they chase a place among the top four in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Friday (February 22).

Mumbai City are better placed with 27 points from 16 matches and will qualify with a win. ATK have 21 points and can touch fourth-placed Mumbai's tally but need too many things to go in their favour. Chiefly, though, they must secure all points against Mumbai.

Tough, but possible: Coppell

Tough, but possible: Coppell

"It's very difficult to qualify but it is possible. We obviously cling on to that hope. If we were to win it, we would be within reach of Mumbai. We'd also have a better head to head against Mumbai if we win. You never know what would happen in football," said coach Steve Coppell.

The Kolkata side's playoff dreams have taken a big beating after a 2-2 draw against FC Pune City was followed up with a comprehensive 3-0 loss against FC Goa.

ATK's chances hang in the balance

ATK's chances hang in the balance

So precarious is the spot Coppell's men now find themselves in that even two wins out of two might not be enough to guarantee a playoff spot and they will still need plenty of other results to go their way to achieve that target.

The home form for ATK has not been the greatest with one draw, three wins and as many losses to show in their seven outings so far. With both their remaining two league games set to take place in Kolkata, the hosts will have to capitalise on their home support and overturn that patchy form.

Islanders only a win away from securing their berth

Islanders only a win away from securing their berth

For Mumbai, the equation remains simple. The Islanders can confirm their spot in the playoffs with a win but their current form will not inspire plenty of confidence. Jorge Costa's side were on a nine-match unbeaten run which included an impressive 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC but have since faced three losses on the trot.

"The last three games we didn't play like we could. We had injuries and suspensions plague our form and we made a lot of mistakes. What we must look into is that we're making a lot of mistakes. But I still believe in this team, as before these three games we were going strong and winning games," said Costa.

Goal drought – worrying aspect for Costa

Goal drought – worrying aspect for Costa

Unlike ATK, Mumbai's playoff hopes remain in their own hands with two games to play.

Their final league clash is an unpredictable Maharashtra derby against a resurgent Pune City and the Islanders will want to book their final-four spot on Friday itself. But first they have to rediscover their scoring boots. In their three recent losses, Costa's men have failed to score a single goal and that will be the most worrying aspect for the Portuguese coach.

ATK are still alive but Mumbai should fancy their chances of turning it around.


Match kicks off at 7:30pm IST

Live on Star Sports Network

Live Streaming on Hotstar


Source: ISL Media

Story first published: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 18:13 [IST]
Other articles published on Feb 21, 2019