Preview: Kerala Blasters aim to end Hyderabad FC's winning run

Both teams enter this fixture on the back of consecutive victories in the league.

The upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 contest between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters is going to be an exciting clash of the titans. Both of them met in the final of the ISL 2021-22 where the Nizams got the better of the Yellow Army through penalties. 

Manolo Marquez’s men are undefeated in the league after winning five of their first six games. On the other hand, Ivan Vukomanovic and co are starting to find rhythm after a topsy-turvy start to the season.

Here is a preview of the ISL 2022-23 fixture between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters which is set to take place at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, on Saturday.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC have a herculean task ahead of them, which is to successfully defend their ISL crown. The Nizams exceeded every expectation last year to win the ISL Trophy by beating Kerala Blasters in the final. However, the outfit is showing incredible consistency, winning the first five of their six games. Manolo Marquez has the team playing as a unit. The club is on an incredible run and will hope to extend its stay at the top of the league table by securing three points against KBFC.

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters were sensational in their last outing against FC Goa, inflicting a 3-1 defeat to the visitors. It was their first win over FC Goa since 2016 and the second in a row for the club that lost three games on the spin prior to it. Ivan Vukomanovic became an instant hit with KBFC fans after last season’s impressive performance. However, there is pressure to replicate that performance in the current season. A win against the reigning champions would be a huge statement for the Blasters.

Team News

Hyderabad FC will be without their key player Laxmikant Kattimani due to an injury. Rohit Danu is also expected to miss the upcoming match. As of now, there are no injury concerns in the Kerala Blasters camp.

Head-to-Head

Hyderabad FC have won four while Kerala Blasters have won three of their total seven encounters.

Probable Line-ups

Hyderabad FC: Anuj Kumar (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Odei Onaindia, Akash Mishra, Mohammad Yasir, Joao Victor, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Hitesh Sharma, Halicharan Narzary, Javier Siverio.

Kerala Blasters: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Marko Leskovic, Nishu Kumar, Rahul KP, Jeakson Singh, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Sahal Abdul Samad, Adrian Luna, Dimitrios Diamantakos.

Man to Watch

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

Mohammad Yasir is in sensational form since the beginning of the season. The winger has scored twice in the last two games, scoring match-winning goals on both occasions. He also has two assists for the Nizams after the first six games of the campaign. When it comes to domestic players, then Yasir stands well above the rest in the squad.

He is an attack-minded player who loves to create scoring chances for the team. If KBFC full-backs are not careful, then Yasir could once again influence the outcome of the fixture.

Sahal Abdul Samad (Kerala Blasters)

Sahal Abdul Samad is showing a great eye for goal in the initial stages of the ISL 2022-23. The attacking midfielder has two goals and two assists in six matches. He is showing promise in his performances and deserves more playing time.

The former Emerging Player of the Season award winner could be the difference maker in the fixture against HFC. It will take something special to finally snap HFC’s streak of five clean sheets in a row and Sahal has that quality in his repertoire. 

Did You Know?

• Kerala Blasters FC has finished as runner-up thrice in the ISL.
• Laxmikant Kattimani was the player of the match when these teams met in the final last season.
• These teams have never played a draw with each other.

Telecast

The ISL fixture between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters will be played at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.