Preview: NorthEast United aim to upset in-form Hyderabad FC

The Nizams will be wary of the Highlanders who are in high spirits after winning their last match.

The upcoming match between Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United is shaping up to be an exciting one. It is a contest between the teams at the extreme ends of the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) table after 11 fixtures each. 

While Manolo Marquez’s men are aiming to stay among the top teams and secure their playoff qualification, Vincenzo Alberto Annese will be hoping to guide his men to victory and build on the ATK Mohun Bagan triumph.

As both clubs head into the fixture at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium with different ambitions, one can be sure that it will deliver high on the entertainment factor. Here is what to expect from the match:

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC will be the favourites heading into the fixture. The Nizams are the reigning ISL Trophy winners and are performing well this season as well. Their Spanish head coach keeps the unit focused and the team is showing togetherness to secure wins, one after another. For HFC, the upcoming game presents a good opportunity to get closer to playoff qualification.

NorthEast United

NorthEast United's first half of the ISL 2022-23 season was a forgettable one. Despite performing well and working extremely hard on the pitch, the Highlanders kept on collecting defeats. Changing the backroom staff and appointing Vincenzo Alberto Annese as the head coach was a smart step. Following an incredible win (first of the season too) over ISL giants ATK Mohun Bagan, NEUFC will aim to produce another upset riding on the momentum.

Injury & Team News

Hyderabad FC could be without Joao Victor who also missed the last game. Laxmikant Kattimani is out for the season. Chinglensana Singh’s involvement could be under doubt as well after missing the last match.

NorthEast United however, have a fully fit squad.

Head-to-head

Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United have locked horns seven times in the ISL.

Hyderabad FC - 5

NorthEast United - 1

Drawn - 1

Predicted Line-ups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Nim Dorjee, Odei Onaindia, Akash Mishra, Hitesh Sharma, Borja Herrera, Rohit Danu, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Halicharan Narzary, Javier Siverio.

NorthEast United (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK), Joe Zoherliana, Gaurav Bora, Aaron Evans, Tondonba Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Pragyan Gogoi, Jon Gaztanaga, Rochharzela, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Emil Benny.

Player to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Despite going through a season where goals have been less frequent, Bartholomew Ogbeche remains a huge threat. Furthermore, the Nigerian was on the scoresheet in the previous match against Bengaluru FC. He could have had a brace but the other goal was later adjudged to be an own goal.

Bartholomew Ogbeche is like a predator who now has a taste for blood. He will do everything in his power to score more goals. A smiling and spirited Ogbeche could spell trouble for his former team.

Mirshad Michu (NorthEast United)

Mirshad Michu was the difference maker in NorthEast United's win over ATK Mohun Bagan. His performance was crucial in keeping the Mariners silent. The custodian made eight massive saves in the game to come away with a clean sheet.

In the upcoming match with Hyderabad FC, an in-form Mirshad could again be the individual who impacts the scorecard. The Nizams will have to produce something special to score past the goalie.

Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC have scored five goals against NorthEast United on three different occasions.
• Bartholomew Ogbeche is still the all-time leading goal-scorer for NorthEast United, with 12 goals.
• Hyderabad FC’s Gurmeet Singh has previously played for the Highlanders as well.

Telecast

The game between Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the game. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad.