Preview: Odisha FC look to keep their hopes alive for playoffs against Hyderabad FC

The upcoming clash will have huge implications in the race for the playoffs qualification.

Odisha FC is set to host Hyderabad FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL) contest at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The game is going to be an exciting one with both teams hoping to end the league campaign in a strong manner. 

Both teams boast sensational players in their squads which makes the upcoming game one to watch out for. It is difficult to predict which of the two outfits will come out on top despite the difference between their positions on the league table.

As the league stage of the Indian Super League approaches its conclusion, the competitive nature of the competition is increasing with every passing day. Here is what to look forward to from Odisha FC vs Hyderabad FC in the ISL 2022-23:

The Stakes

Odisha FC cannot afford to slip up in their remaining three ISL matches. They are firmly in the race and a win will help them make a strong case for a top-six finish. However, the upcoming clash against Hyderabad FC will be a tough one. The Kalinga Warriors lost the reverse fixture and have a bad form heading into the clash. 

Hyderabad FC will aim to consolidate second place in the league standings with a win against Odisha FC. The top two placed teams will enter directly into the semi-finals of the ISL playoffs. Considering Mumbai City FC’s current form, it will be difficult to win the ISL Shield. Having said that, Manolo Marquez will hope to secure the second spot as early as possible and rest key players heading into the playoffs.

Team News

Hyderabad FC will be without the likes of Laxmikant Kattimani, Joao Victor and Chinglensana Singh. On the other hand, Sahil Panwar of Odisha FC will be serving his ban after receiving a red card in the previous game. 

Probable Lineups

Odisha FC (4-4-2)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Narender Gahlot, Carlos Delgado (C), Shubham Sarangi, Sahil Panwar, Thoiba Singh, Saul Crespo, Pedro Martin, Diego Mauricio, Nandhakumar Sekar, Isak Vanlalruatfela.

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

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

Head to Head

Total Matches Played - 7

Odisha FC wins - 2

Hyderabad FC wins - 4

Draw - 1

Player to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio is Odisha FC’s highest goalscorer in the ongoing 2022-23 campaign. He has 10 goals and is one of the most lethal forwards in the league this term. Considering OFC has only scored 24 goals this season, one can easily gauge his importance to the team.

Hyderabad FC must strategise to keep Diego Mauricio’s involvement to a minimum. The Brazilian can make an impact with his long-range finishing and physicality in the box.

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

A collective effort by Hyderabad FC’s players has been the secret to the club’s success this season. Mohammad Yasir has been one of the key contributors. The winger has three goals and four assists in 16 appearances for the Nizams.

His dribbling and pace can cause problems for any defender. It is difficult to contain the pacy attacker who loves to strike from range and has incredible vision too. It is worth remembering that Yasir’s goal was the difference-maker in the reverse fixture between these two teams.

Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC’s Mohammad Yasir made his India senior team debut in an international friendly against Oman in Dubai.
• Both Odisha FC and Hyderabad FC joined the ISL in 2019.
• The Nizams have won the last three matches between the two.

Telecast

The match kicks off at 7:30 PM and will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network. Moreover, the live stream of the match will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV.