Confident ATK to lock horns with Pune today

Pune: Seeking to consolidate its position at the top of the pecking order, Atletico de Kolkata will run into FC Pune City who will be eager to make use of the home advantage, as they face-off in the Indian Super League (ISL) football here on Saturday.
Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata are currently placed at the top of the standings with seven points from three games, having won against Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC and drawn against FC Goa.
On the other hand, FC Pune City are positioned third having suffered a reverse in their last home game against Delhi Dynamos. With two wins and a defeat, the hosts have six points from three games.
Set to play in their fourth consecutive home match this season, the David Platt-coached side used the Englishman’s vast experience to good effect in the first two matches of the league, before faltering against a Robin Singh-inspired Dynamos on Wednesday.
They will have to regroup now, with the formidable ATK looking eager to continue their momentum.
The arrival of young Indian players Eugenesin Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh, who missed the first three games due to national commitments, will boost the home side.
Holding the key upfront will be former Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli, who shone for Pune in the first match scoring twice.
What can work in Pune’s favour is that the table toppers will miss the services of marquee player Helder Postiga who returned to Portugal for treating a hamstring strain sustained during the first match.
India player Baljit Sahni will join the team, and there are also a few youngsters waiting to make a mark in the ATK jersey. ATK’s overseas stars such as Iain Hume and Javi Lara will also hope for a better outing at the Balewadi Sports Complex. (PTI)