Garcia boost for Atletico de Kolkata against Chennai

CHENNAI: The biggest advantage for leaders Atletico de Kolkata will be the return of Luis Garcia from injury as they take on Chennaiyin FC in the clash of table toppers on Tuesday.
The Spaniard has been the most effective player for ATK, who are already missing striker Fikru Teferra and coach Antonio Habas due to suspension. They have 11 points from five games and a win on Tuesday will give them some breathing space ahead of Chennai, who have nine from four.
Chennai will miss defenders Abhishek Das and Jairo Suarez due to injury. Dhanachandra Singh is tipped to take Abhishek's place on the left wing and Gouramangi will support the wings on the right. French goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano, who missed the previous game against Mumbai City FC, is set to come back into the playing XI. Player-manager Marco Materazzi too, might be tempted to take the field yet again so that he can neutralize the presence of the wily Garcia.
The Kolkata team has got eight days of rest after their last 1-1 draw with Kerala Blasters on Oct 26. "We didn't get proper rest during the first five games. It was difficult playing a game every three days. But this one week has helped the players a lot and we will return with more energy against Chennai," Garcia said.
The one problem for the visitors can be the JN stadium turf. They play their home games on the artificial turf at the Salt Lake Stadium and the slippery pitch in Chennai can be a little tough to handle. "It is a little disappointing that we haven't practised here. It is always necessary to know where you are going to play. We don't know how the grass is going to be, how the surface is and what kind of shoes we need. We can do nothing about it now," said Garcia.
Chennai, too, are well-rested after a six-day break, but they also have got the JN Stadium only once for practice. On the other days, they did their drills at an international school ground in the city but striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, isn't too worried about it. "With our team's good planning, I think we can win. It will be a tough game and there might not be many goals, but we will give our best," the 23-year-old said.
With chances of rain in the city, stadium groundsmen have to work extra hours to pull off a great show.
FORM BOOK
CHENNAIYIN FC - WWLW
STRENGTH – One of the strongest attacks with aggressive strikers and fast runners. The 5-3-2 formation supports wing play and gives a lot of breathing space for playmakers.
WEAKNESS – Lapses in the defence line are a big worry for the team, who have not maintained a clean sheet till now.
KEY PLAYER – Mendoza, who scored two goals against Mumbai City FC.
ATLETICO DE KOLKATA - WWDWD
STRENGTH – Yet to lose a game in the league, the team can bank on their star performers in their midfield to win it again for them.
WEAKNESS – ATK give away too many fouls and in critical positions. They have to be more careful against Chennai's Elano, who has an impressive conversion rate from free kicks.
KEY PLAYER - Luis Garcia returns from injury and could bolster the team's chances with his technical ability.