Preview: East Bengal FC look to upset reigning Champions Hyderabad FC

The Nizams will be playing at home after two games on the road.

Hyderabad FC will host East Bengal FC in their upcoming Indian Super League 2022-23 fixture at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday, 09 November 2022. The Nizams and the Red & Gold Brigade will be favouring their chances ahead of the game which is set to be tight.

While one of the two teams is fighting to maintain its position on the higher reaches of the ISL league table, the other is hoping to rise from the bottom rungs of the ladder. Interestingly, both HFC and EBFC won their previous games in the league by a 3-1 margin away from home. 

There is a lot to look forward to as Hyderabad FC and East Bengal FC get ready to lock horns:

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

The Nizams began the season fabulously. At one point, they had a five-match winning streak before losing two consecutive matches. After winning the ISL Trophy last season, this year's expectations are enormous for Hyderabad FC. 

Manolo Marquez must keep the players focused as the side is expected to make playoffs this year at the minimum. Beating East Bengal FC will help HFC in that objective and stay close to league leaders Mumbai City FC in the table.

East Bengal FC

The Kolkata-based club is showing signs of improvement to last season when it finished bottom of the table. East Bengal FC won only one game last season, however, they have already secured three wins after eight matches.

Their last ISL outing saw them win by 3-1 away to Jamshedpur FC - the reigning ISL Shield winners. Now, Stephen Constantine’s men come up against the reigning ISL Trophy winners. The aim will be to cause another upset and secure all three points or come away with a point at the very least. 

Team News

Yet to receive team news for Hyderabad FC. As for East Bengal FC, reports suggest that there is a 50-50 chance for Charis Kyriakou to start as he has started training. Amarjit Singh and Sarthak Golui are unavailable. Souvik Chakrabarti is gaining fitness but may not be able to play the whole 90 minutes.

Head to Head

Played - 4

Hyderabad FC - 2

East Bengal FC - 0

Draw - 2

Predicted Line-ups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Chinglensana Singh, Odei Onaindia, Nikhil Poojary, Akash Mishra, Hitesh Sharma, Joao Victor (C), Mohammad Yasir, Halicharan Narzary, Joel Chianese, Bartholomew Ogbeche

East Bengal FC (4-4-2)

Kamaljit Singh (GK), Ivan Gonzalez, Lalchungnunga, Sarthak Golui (C), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Jordan O'Doherty, Alex Lima, Suhair Vadakkepeedika, Naorem Singh, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Cleiton Silva. 

Player to Watch

Halicharan Narzary (Hyderabad FC)

Halicharan Narzary is developing a habit of coming up with crucial goals for Hyderabad FC. The winger scored a sensational long-range goal for the Nizams against Chennaiyin FC in the previous game. He loves to hit the ball from distance and has the quality to beat any goalkeeper if he connects with the ball sweetly.

He has three goals and two assists in the first nine matches for the reigning ISL champions. If East Bengal’s defenders give him time and space on the ball, then Narzary could be the difference-maker between the teams.

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC)

Cleiton Silva will be the biggest threat to Hyderabad FC. The former Bengaluru FC is in rich goalscoring form. He has five goals from eight appearances this year and could add more to his tally considering the form.

While HFC defence is a tough nut to crack, Silva has the quality to find space and finish if provided with good service. He can also create scoring chances for his teammates which makes him an obvious source of attacking threats.

Did You Know?

Hyderabad FC has lost only once at home this year from the first nine matches. 

All three of East Bengal FC’s wins have come on the road.

East Bengal FC’s Aniket Jadhav and Souvik Chakrabarti are former Hyderabad FC players.

Telecast

The Indian Super League match between Hyderabad FC and East Bengal FC will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match. The kick-off is at 7:30 PM IST.