Chennaiyin FC take on ATK in a clash of former champions in the 11th match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 at the Marina Arena at Chennai on Wednesday, eyeing their first win of the ninth season. (More Football News)
However, the task is easier said than done as ATK are coming off a 5-0 thrashing of Hyderabad FC at home on Friday last.
Chennaiyin FC, to their credit, bounced back from 0-3 hammering at the hands of FC Goa in the opener, to pick up their first point courtesy a goalless draw against Mumbai City FC on Diwali day (October 27).
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Though Chennaiyin kept a clean sheet, head coach John Gregory would be concerned with the fact that the defence appeared shaky at times.
Also, he would be hoping that the forward line gets cracking and finds the back of the net.
It was a night of missed opportunities as CFC and Mumbai City muffed chances with the former getting a lion's share of attempts.
Brazil's attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro and Anirudh Thapa created several chances against Mumbai City and the coach will expect him and Maltese striker Andre Schembri to deliver in the games to come, starting with the one against ATK.
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It is the defence that will worry the Chennaiyin coach as captain Lucian Goian didn't look at his best in the Mumbai game and the onus would be on him to marshal the backline.
But they showed improvement from the game against FC Goa, but they would need to do well with regard to finishing and control the midfield more if they are to challenge Antonio Lopez Habas' free-scoring ATK.
Lanky Lithuanian forward Nerijus Valskis said the team should have scored against Mumbai, adding they were probably unlucky.
He expressed the hope that he would get a start on Wednesday (against ATK) and be part of a win.
However, ATK are not taking fellow two-time champions lightly. Head coach Antonio Habas said the Blues were a 'dangerous team.'
"(Chennaiyin are) dangerous. I don't know Chennaiyin now, but I remember them from the past. Chennaiyin is a strong opponent. I absolutely respect the opponent, the coach, the players and the fans of Chennaiyin," he said at the press conference in Kolkata on Monday prior to the team's departure to Chennai.
Habas would be happy with the way with ATK played against Hyderabad, but will want his team to maintain the intensity against the hosts.
The Chennaiyin-ATK match promises to be an interesting tussle as both teams look to gain early momentum in a long season.
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(Match begins at 7.30 PM)
