Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Three key battles to decide the AFC Cup tie

A place in the preliminary stages of the AFC Cup is up for grabs in this one-off contest.

The 2021-22 Indian Super League winners Hyderabad FC are set to clash against the 2022-23 winners of the competition, ATK Mohun Bagan, to decide which team takes its place in the prelim stages of the 2023-24 AFC Cup. The one-off playoff fixture is set to take place on 3rd May 2023.

The Nizams have never represented India on the continental stage and this is a rare opportunity for them to achieve the feat. However, the challenge against a star-studded Mariners squad is going to be difficult. It is set to be an exciting contest between two heavyweights of Indian football that have sensational players in their squads.

There will be plenty of high-profile players vying to give their team the upper hand in this one-off playoff. The following three battles will be crucial in deciding the outcome of the game. On that note, here is a look at three key battles from Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan in the one-off playoff fixture for a place in the AFC Cup.

3. Halicharan Narzary vs Asish Rai

Hyderabad FC loves to attack from the channels and their left flank combination play is incredible. Akash Mishra loves to make darting runs forward which gives Narzary the support to isolate opposition full-backs and create scoring opportunities.

ATK Mohun Bagan's Asish Rai will be the first-choice right-back who will come up against HFC attacks down the flank. The former HFC defender knows everything about his former teammates and his energy will be key to silencing them. Asish Rai's threat in attack is also a factor and Halicharan Narzary may find himself tracking back to provide cover and mark Rai. This one is going to be a speedy battle that will might see tackles flying around.

2. Joao Victor vs Carl McHugh

Football games that have huge stakes on the line usually are won by the team that dominates the midfield. Having more possession of the ball, causing interceptions, winning ground duels and aerial duels are all key ingredients of adding pressure on your opposition. 

Hyderabad FC skipper Joao Victor is an expert in this regard. The midfielder moves the ball comfortably from defence to attack and blocks passing lines expertly. He will face a stern challenge in the middle of the park against Carl McHugh. He is one of the strongest midfielders in the ATKMB lineup and a constant threat with his aerial ability during set-pieces. This will be a mouth-watering battle and whoever comes out on top will give his team an edge in the fixture.

1. Javier Siverio vs Slavko Damjanovic

Javier Siverio is likely to play a major role in the playoff fixture with Bartholomew Ogbeche still recovering from an injury after a long and arduous season. The Spaniard scored three goals during the Super Cup and was a nuisance with his heading ability plus movement inside the box.

However, it will be a battle to watch out for as Siverio comes up against Slavko Damjanovic. The tall and sturdy centre-back is a difficult man to push around. His aerial prowess makes him an efficient defender who gets on the end of most crosses and clears them away. Javier Siverio must think of ways to lure him out of position and find spaces to operate.