Atletico de Kolkata really haven't done a lot in this ISL but still find themselves comfortably placed to make the playoffs at the halfway mark of the season.
Their front four of Javi Lara, Helder Postiga, Juan Beloncoso and Lalrindika Ralte finally came good in a 2-1 win after a poor first half display from Sameehg Doutie saw the team's most consistent performer this season being replaced by marquee Postiga.
While Iain Hume was dropped for the last match, he may be in line for a start and may replace the Spaniard Beloncoso. Robert Lalthlamuana, who substituted Prabir Das at the start of the second half against NorthEast, may start from the outset.
For Pune and for especially Antonio Habas, this isn't the ideal time to be paid a visit by one of the league's stronger teams. Habas will go up against his former employers but his side sit last in the table, with six points to their name, 4 off the final playoff spot.
The matches and the losses keep piling up for Habas' side who were beaten by Goa three days ago. Former Kolkata man Arata Izumi should be starting after Lenny Rodrigues was poor in his side's 0-1 defeat to FC Goa at home.
Anibal Zurdo, also very poor in Pune's last match should be replaced by Dramane Traore. Jesus Tato, who has been their most impressive attacker so far should start on the left of a front three. Pune have really struggled for goals, having scored only five goals in their seven games.
Match Facts
Venue: Balewadi Stadium, Pune
Capacity: 9,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: November 27th 2015, Atletico de Kolkata 4-1 FC Pune City
Head-to-head: Matches: 4, Pune wins 2, ATK wins: 1, Draws: 1
Key Battles
Helder Postiga vs Eduardo Ferreira: Postiga's record in the ISL makes for a curious read. It reads 4 appearances and 3 goals across 2 injury-ridden seasons but the Portuguese marquee always seems to make a mark whenever he steps on to the pitch.
Capped a wonderful turnaround last time around by scoring one and assisting the other for Beloncoso. Eduardo Ferreira has been Pune's most consistent defender this season and will have to be at his best to stop Postiga.
Jesus Tato vs Tiri: In a wretched season for Pune so far, Tato has been one of the few sources of inspiration for the Stallions. The La Masia graduate is strong and pacey and may stretch the defence.
Tiri has been solid for the last two seasons but has seen his game time limited by the arrival of Henrique Sereano. Will look to reclaim his place in the side with a dominant display alongside Arnab Mondal.
Squads
FC Pune City: Edel Bete; Rahul Bheke, Narayan Das, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh; Arata Izumi, Mohamed Sissoko, Jonathan Lucca; Dramane Traore, Sanju Pradhan, Jesus Rodriguez Tato
Atlético de Kolkata: Debjit Majumder; Tiri, Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal, Robert Lalthlamuana; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande; Lalrindika Ralte, Helder Postiga, Iain Hume
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