Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 final between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa have all the ingredients for a humdinger. Both Mariners and Blues would look to grab the silverware on offer to conclude the season on a high. Will it be Sunil Chhetri or Hugo Boumos? Will Roy Krishna score for Bengaluru or Dimitri Petratos find the target for Mariners? Who will be the players to watch out for in the ISL Final?
Both teams managed a victory each in two league stage matches played in different scenarios and on the back of different run of forms. After a disappointing start to the league stage, the Blues suffered their fifth defeat of the season, losing 0-1 to ATK Mohun Bagan at the Kanteerava Stadium. However, a season-turning run since the new year saw Simon Grayson’s men take their revenge as they won 2-1 against the Mariners at Salt Lake Stadium.
For ATK Mohun Bagan to do well in the ISL final, Dimitri Patratos and Hugo Boumous must fire in all cylinders. Similarly for Bengaluru, star strikers Sunil Chhetri and Roy Krishna will hold key.
The availability of Ashique Kuruniyan for the final is a major boost for the Mariners. He is likely to replace Kiyan Nassiri. Liston Colaco is also fit. Juan Ferrando has everyone available for the final on Saturday. All eyes will be on local boys Glan Martins and Liston Colaco as well.
Both coaches played with 4-3-3 formation in their first encounter this season. In the last meeting Ferrando shifted to 4-2-3-1 formation with Manvir playing as the lone striker.
Here is the likely playing XI for ATK Mohun Bagan: Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose, Pritam Kotal (C), Asish Rai, Glan Martins, Carl McHugh, Federico Gallego, Manvir Singh, Dimitri Petratos, Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous.
Simon Grayson’s boys has been on a role winning five consecutive matches leading up to the final. The Blues are likely to go in with 3-5-2 formation. Bengaluru will be relying heavily on stars Sunil Chhetri and Roy Krishna.
The Blues have in their ranks three ex ATK MB players in the likes of Roy Krishna, Sandesh Jhingan and Prabir Das. The towering presence of Sandesh Jhingan and Aleksandar Jovanovic has given Bengaluru defence solidity.
Here is the likely playing XI for Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Sandesh Jhingan, Namgyal Bhutia, Roshan Naorem, Danish Farooq, Javier Hernandez, Suresh Wangjam, Roy Krishna and Sunil Chhetri (C).