The Islanders will be up against the Mariners in the Final of the Indian Super League season 7. MCFC topped the group stages and ultimately qualified for the AFC Champions League. They beaten down the Gaurs in the semi-finals in a penalty thriller. ATKMB finished second in the group stages and brushed-off NorthEast United FC in the play-offs. The ruling champions and three times ISL winners, ATK was merged with the Mohun Bagan before the season.
Both teams are extremely strong and competitive at the same time. Both teams have Spanish coaches but the style of play is different. Sergio Lobera focusses mainly on attacking football while Antonio Habbas believes in holding football. ATKMB has the capability of coming from behind with quality forwards in the form of Manvir, Roy Krishna and David Williams. It’s very difficult to beat ATKMB after they register a lead over their opponents, because of their strong defense line consisting Sandesh Jhingan, Tiri, Pritam Kotal and Subhashis Bose. They have a well-balanced midfield with Mchugh, Edu Garcia, Xavi, Marchelinho and Pranoy Halder.
Talking about the Islanders, they have a very strong attacking core. With Bipin Singh on wing, Hugo as CAM , Adam le Fondre and Ogbeche as forwards, the attack looks solid. They have a very strong bench too. With Fall, Santana and Jahouh at back, the attackers feel secure to attack. They have the number 2 goalkeeper of India, Amrinder Singh at the posts.
The final could see a blend of two different approaches to finish the match but it will be very difficult for both of the teams against each other to win. ATKMB would probably with defense first approach while Sergio Lobera’s unit could be seen making multiple chances. It would be a very interesting match to watch.
Mumbai City FC Playing 11
Amrinder Singh (GK)
Jahouh
Santana
Bipin Singh
A Ranwade
Vignesh D
Fall
Goddard
Ogbeche
Adam le Fondre
Mandar Rao Desai
ATKMB Playing 11
A Bhattacharya (GK)
Sandesh Jhingan
Pritam Kotal
Tiri
Subhasish
Prabir Das
Edu Garcia
C McHugh
M Singh
David Williams
Roy Krishna
Fantasy 11
Amrinder Singh (GK)
Sandesh
Fall
Tiri
Bipin Singh
Manvir Singh
Edu Garcia
Vignesh
Mandar
Roy Krishna
Adam le Fondre
