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Bengaluru FC resume search for elusive win as ATK Mohun Bagan come calling

Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in training. (Photo courtesy: Bengaluru FC)
Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in training. (Photo courtesy: Bengaluru FC)

Marco Pezzaiuoli’s Bengaluru FC side will be eager for a change in fortunes when they face off against ATK Mohun Bagan at the GMC Athletic Stadium, in Bambolim, on Thursday. Bengaluru are winless in five games, with their only victory of the campaign coming in the opening encounter against NorthEast United. ATK Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, are also winless in three previous matches, having dropped points against Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC.

“ATK Mohun Bagan are a quality team with players like Roy Krishna, Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco. They are a very good side who play well on the counter, and we need to make sure that we are well organised and prepared for any attack,” Pezzaiuoli said, speaking to the media on the eve of the game.

While the Blues have failed to win any of their previous five encounters in the League, Pezzaiuoli maintained that the moment called for his senior players to step up and make the difference. “The more experienced players in the squad need to step up and be vocal to guide the youngsters. Irrespective of who’s injured, the players who take to the field must look to bring the best out of each other,” Pezzaiuoli added.

While ATK Mohun Bagan sit at sixth place on the table, with seven points from five games, the Blues are in ninth position, having picked up just four points from their six games so far. Cleiton Silva has been a standout performer for Pezzaiuoli’s side, with the Brazilian having scored three times in the League, including his side’s last two goals against Mumbai City FC and FC Goa.

Bengaluru will be without Suresh Wangjam for the clash against ATKMB, with the midfielder serving a one-match suspension for his red card against FC Goa. Pezzaiuoli also provided an update on the injuries in the squad, with winger Leon Augustine and defender Yrondu Musavu-King set to miss out on the rest of the calendar year. “In terms of team news, I can confirm that Leon and Musavu-King will be out till January. The rest of the squad is available for selection on Thursday,” said Pezzaiuoli.

Kick-off between Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan is at 7.30pm and will be telecast live on the STAR Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar and jioTV.

(Bengaluru FC)