ISL 2020/21 | ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City battle for bragging rights in top-two conflict
Image Source : TWITTER/ATK MOHUN BAGAN ATK Mohun Bagan
Leaders Mumbai City FC would look lengthen their eight-match unbeaten streak after they tackle ATK Mohun Bagan in a top-two conflict of the Indian Super League right here on Monday.
Mumbai City have been on a roll, notching up seven wins and a draw of their final eight matches after shedding their opening recreation. They have collected 22 factors from 9 video games to be on prime of the desk.
ATK Mohun Bagan are two factors adrift of Mumbai City with six wins, two attracts and one loss. They are additionally on a five-match unbeaten streak.
The conflict of the highest two groups may set the tone for the second half of the season. Not solely bragging rights are at stake, the battle for prime spot may get even feistier with Asian Champions League qualification being the most important incentive earlier than the play-offs roll in.
Having scored 16 targets thus far, Mumbai City have one of the best assault within the league. They have scored a minimum of one purpose of their final eight video games. ATKMB undeniably have one of the best defence, having maintained seven clear sheets in 9 video games, and are but to concede a purpose from open play this season.
While the stats point out the match could be a battle of assault in opposition to defence, ATKMB coach Antonio Habas brushed apart such ideas.
“I don’t think Mumbai is a team that only attacks. They have good progressional play and counter-attacks. It’s difficult to stop their team because they always play forward,” Habas mentioned.
“I don’t think it’s a match between attacking and defending because football is a game of attacking and defending. Both teams have transitions from one side to the other,” he added.
Mumbai City head coach Sergio Lobera mentioned Monday’s match wouldn’t decide the course of the league.
“I believe it may be necessary however not an important recreation. It’s simply midway and on this competitors something is feasible. Anything can change briefly time. Most necessary factor is now to maintain our focus and enhance our recreation,” he mentioned.
Though there are not any damage considerations for the Spaniard, he’ll miss the companies of Ahmed Jahouh, who acquired his second purple card of the season.
“Jahouh is an important player but I have a very good squad. Most important for me is teamwork. It’s not about individuality. We are good players but you need to work as a team,” mentioned Lobera.
“When you finish one game, the next game is the most important game. The situation is the same for tomorrow. It’s going to be difficult as we are going to play against a good team. ATK Mohun Bagan are doing a good job,” he mentioned.
