Indian Super League: ATK look to keep up momentum

Kolkata: Hosts ATK will look to build on their winning momentum when they face last year’s runners-up Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League football fixture at the Saltlake Stadium here Wednesday.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats at home to start their campaign, the new-look ATK have managed to bounce back with two wins and draw. They will now seek to secure their maiden win against Bengaluru.

In their last match, ATK upset defending champions Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in a game which saw their attacking duo of Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche in perfect coordination and according to coach Steve Coppell’s plans.

While Uche struck the first goal, the ATK captain set up John Johnson for the second goal.

Their midfield also did a neat job with Brazilian Everton Santos showing creativity, along with Pronay Halder.

Bengaluru FC will be up against a player who had been a key member of the side since the club’s fairy-tale journey from 2013.

Having switched allegiance to ATK, English defender Johnson who earlier forged a solid partnership with Spain’s Juanan at the heart of Bengaluru’s defence, will now be seen thwarting the duo of Miku and Sunil Chhetri.

“The strategy is just to try and win every game. Bengaluru are a top side and they’ve proved it so far this season. They proved it last season. We look forward to it. We want to play the best teams and see how we cope. So, we are looking forward to that game now,” ATK coach Steve Coppell said.

Speaking about the turnaround, the Englishman said: “Obviously, the first two games we lost and so it was a big win for us. The team is still evolving. You know, it’s still taking shape.

Having won their first away match of the season, Bengaluru FC have now five away wins on the trot.