“We did everything but score the other night. We had a lot of opportunities, we ended up having 18 shots (7 on target). I was somewhat bewildered that we didn’t score in the first 15 minutes (against MCFC),” said Englishman Gregory. While CFC has had the going tough in the final third, ATK has been prolific in that area of the pitch, bagging six goals.

Edu Garcia (2), David Williams (2), Roy Krishna (1) and Carl McHugh (1) have got on the scoresheet for the two-time champion. As the ATK forwards have the ability to punish the opposition in a jiffy, Gregory wants his boys to be on their toes throughout the encounter. “We need to be switched on at all times, especially knowing the pace of its players. It tends to start games well and it was evident in its first two fixtures.” Williams and Krishna, who previously plied their trade together at A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix, tore apart the Hyderabad FC defence in their previous match. And, the CFC manager is well aware of the onerous task his backline has in hand. “ATK struck with every good chance it had (against HFC). With those (above-mentioned) guys up front, it will be difficult for us to keep the visitor quiet. The duo will be tough to handle,” he stressed. Up against a quality opposition, Gregory is eager to notch up his first victory this ISL season. “The game is going to be exciting, we are approaching it with confidence. I will be happy with a win, it doesn’t matter what the scoreline is,” added the gaffer.—SS

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