The opening affair of the fifth edition of the Indian Super League contains the ingredients of an intense contest. Old rivals ATK and Kerala Blasters FC square up at the former’s home at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.
The two share a fairly successful ISL history which has seen them meet in two finals, where Blasters lost by narrow margins.
This keeps reappearing each time the two meet. It came up once again on the eve of their latest encounter forcing Blasters’ coach and former England World Cupper David James to look back at the inaugural year (2014) for the only occasion when his side beat ATK.
Of the 10 meetings so far, ATK has won four while Blasters have managed just one. The remaining five, including the last final that saw ATK winning on penalties, were draws. Both their encounters in the previous season ended in stalemates.
Intense rivalry
“The rivalry between Kerala and ATK is the biggest in ISL. Both teams have played two finals, close ones at that. ATK have the upper hand when it comes to dominance,” James said.
James would be looking at a fairly strong line-up that includes Slovenian Matej Poplatnik and Serbian Slavisa Stojanovic in the attack. Ugandan star Keziron Kizito and Ghanaian winger Courage Pekuson will be the important names giving Blasters solidity.
The visitors have some bad news at the backline where it will be missing E. Anas, who is serving a three-match ban. This puts more responsibility on captain Sandesh Jhingan.
After finishing ninth among 10 last season, 2016 champion ATK is trying to regroup under the guidance of experienced coach Steve Coppell.
Worried
The Englishman looked a bit worried about the absence of his Nigerian striker Kalu Uche, who is held up owing to visa issues. But, ATK has been able to string together a more versatile side where it has another crafty attacker in Spaniard Manuel Lanzarote.
“For the last two years, I did not have the players who could give that something extra in the final third. This time we have Lanzarote, Everton, Kalu and Balwant (Singh) who can do that. I will do my best to give them opportunities, but it is all about team balance,” said Coppell.