Preview: Hyderabad FC eye top spot reclamation against Chennaiyin FC

The Nizams find themselves second on the points table, while the Marina Machans are placed seventh.

Hyderabad FC face Chennaiyin FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) assignment on Thursday. The contest is set to take place at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, with Manolo Marquez’s men looking for a sixth win in a row.

As for the visitors, it will prove to be a tough visit to a stadium which has become a fortress. Furthermore, the reverse fixture saw HFC hand a convincing defeat to the Marina Machans. Memories of that defeat will be fresh and the outfit will be looking to avenge it. 

Here is what to expect from the upcoming ISL 2022-23 match between Hyderabad FC vs Chennaiyin FC:

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC are the only team alongside Mumbai City with more than 30 points in the campaign after 13 matches. The defending champions of the ISL are en route to secure playoffs qualification, considering their present form. Defeating Chennaiyin FC in their upcoming game will see the club take the first position once again ahead of Mumbai City in the points table, at least until the Islanders play their fixture.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC are suffering from inconsistency in the ongoing ISL 2022-23 season. The club is sitting in seventh position after 12 fixtures, one place shy of the top six, that go into the playoffs. Failing to win their next ISL match will be a huge setback in their quest for playoffs qualification. To make matters worse, no wins in their last three league games do not favour them against HFC on paper either. 

Injury & Team News

Hyderabad FC will be missing a few key players. Chinglensana Singh will be a doubt, as he recovers from an injury. Laxmikant Kattimani remains unavailable for the season and Joao Victor also misses out due to a long-term injury. 

Chennaiyin FC will be missing the services of Nasser El Khayati and Rahim Ali.

Head-to-Head

Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC have met seven times in the ISL.

Hyderabad FC - 3

Chennaiyin FC - 3

Drawn - 1

Predicted Line-ups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

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

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Samik Mitra (GK), Ajith Kumar, Fallou Diagne, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Aakash Sangwan, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Anirudh Thapa, Julius Duker, Prasanth K, Petar Sliskovic, Vincy Barretto.

Player to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Hyderabad FC’s success comes from the team playing as a unit. However, it would be a grave mistake to overlook Bartholomew Ogbeche’s threat. The striker scored a sensational hat-trick in the previous fixture against FC Goa.

He is the all-time leading ISL goalscorer and can turn up with a goal when one least expects it. Chennaiyin FC's defence must not allow the forward an inch of space inside the box or allow him a chance to shoot from distance. 

Aakash Sangwan (Chennaiyin FC)

Aakash Sangwan is performing consistently this season for Chennaiyin FC. The full-back was exceptional in the 2-2 draw against Jamshedpur FC, the club's previous fixture. He delivered one assist and created three scoring chances for his teammates. The left-back also made four successful tackles and got 83 touches of the ball.

The 27-year-old already has three assists this season. His battle with Mohammad Yasir will be an eventful one for both sets of fans.

Did You Know?

• Barring one encounter, each Hyderabad FC vs Chennaiyin FC game has seen two or more goals.
• Chennaiyin FC are the only active club with two ISL titles (ISL Trophy).
• Petar Sliskovic has played in the German Bundesliga previously in his career. 

Telecast

The Hyderabad FC vs Chennaiyin FC game will be played at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium on 12 January 2023 (Thursday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.