Preview: Hyderabad FC face stiff ATKMB challenge

Both teams will be fighting to get three points in the upcoming game.

A fiery contest between Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan is set to take place at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday. Both outfits are giants in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are strong contenders to win the ISL trophy.

As the league stage of the 2022-23 season approaches its conclusion, the race for the playoffs qualification is intensifying. While Hyderabad FC have already secured a berth, ATK Mohun Bagan on the other hand are yet to confirm their place.

The stakes are high as the Nizams get ready to welcome the Mariners in their own backyard. Here is what to expect from the game.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC are under pressure after losing their last match against Odisha FC. The head coach expects it to be difficult to finish in second place in the league table. It is worth remembering that the first and second-placed teams reach the semi-final stage directly. Therefore, a win will be on the agenda against ATKMB.

ATK Mohun Bagan

As Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have already confirmed their berths, ATK Mohun Bagan must claim one of the other available spots. A win will be massive in their quest of confirming playoffs qualification and reducing the gap between teams placed above in the league table. Both HFC and ATKMB have played 17 matches and are separated by eight points. 

Team News

Hyderabad FC will be without the likes of Laxmikant Kattimani, Joao Victor, and Chinglensana Singh due to injuries. Akash Mishra should be available for selection. Hugo Boumous will undergo a late fitness test and might miss the encounter, Subhasish Bose is suspended.

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

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

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal (C), Brendan Hamill, Sumit Rathi, Carl McHugh, Glan Martins, Federico Gallego, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos.

Head to Head

Total Matches Played - 7

Hyderabad FC wins - 1

ATK Mohun Bagan wins - 3

Draws - 3

Player to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Ogbeche turns up with a goal when Hyderabad FC need it the most. Despite an inconsistent season for the striker, he is the leading goalscorer for the Nizams with seven goals. He is a threat in the box and ATKMB defence must stay tight and not allow him any space to operate.

Manolo Marquez will hope the experienced Nigerian striker can find his goalscoring touch and help the team secure a win.

Vishal Kaith (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The upcoming game between Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan could be decided by a key battle between Vishal Kaith and Bartholomew Ogbeche. In the previous game against Jamshedpur FC, Kaith made a whopping seven saves to help his team secure a point.

He is one of the most consistent players in the lineup. Keeping HFC’s attackers will be difficult and Vishal Kaith will have to play a crucial role in doing so.

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan’s Asish Rai won the ISL Trophy with Hyderabad FC last season.
• Liston Colaco is a former Hyderabad FC player
• Only Jamshedpur FC (16) and NorthEast United FC (16) have scored lesser goals than ATK Mohun Bagan (20) in the league heading into the fixture against HFC.

Telecast

Kick-off is at 7:30 PM. A live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports Network. Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV will live stream the game.