ISL 2023-24: East Bengal eye maiden win against new-look Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC have defeated East Bengal in the last three meetings in the ISL.

East Bengal and Hyderabad FC will both aim to get their first win of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign when they lock horns at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday (September 30).

The Red & Gold Brigade started their campaign with a frustrating goalless draw and are hoping to thrill their fans with more exciting attacking football this time around. Hyderabad FC, who are undergoing a major rebuild after the departure of Manolo Marquez, look to get their campaign kick-started with a positive result.

The Stakes

East Bengal

The Red & Gold Brigade failed to really hit top gear in their opening game against Jamshedpur FC, failing to breach their backline. With some intimidating challenges against potential title challengers up ahead, Carles Cuadrat’s side desperately needs a win under their belt to gain the necessary momentum.

Another draw or loss against a shaky Hyderabad FC squad, however, can be really damning for East Bengal. It could not only drop the confidence level among the fans, but also bring more pressure on the players which can impact their future performances.

Hyderabad FC

The Nizams have had a difficult transition from the Manolo Marquez era and have been troubled ever since he departed the club. There are a few controversies surrounding Hyderabad FC too, and a lot of uncertainty over how they can compete in the ISL this season.

That is why this could be a perfect opportunity for Hyderabad to silence their doubters. With experienced Indian maestro Thangoi Singto at the helm, accompanied by Conor Nestor, they’d like to use their talented Indian core and skilled foreigners to stun East Bengal and deal them their first loss of the campaign.

Injury & Team News

East Bengal were dealt a major blow earlier this season, losing centre-back Jordan Elsey for the rest of the season due to a damning injury. His replacement, Hijazi Maher, might not be available for this game. Lalchungnunga might not be played in this game since he wouldn't get much time to train with his teammates, but they should have a fully fit squad available apart from that.

Hyderabad FC will also be missing defender Chinglensana Singh, winger Abdul Rabeeh and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh after the two were allowed to head to China for the Asian Games.

Head-to-Head

East Bengal and Hyderabad FC have met each other six times in the ISL since the former’s introduction into it. Here is how things have gone when the two have met.

Total Matches Played – 6

East Bengal wins – 0

Hyderabad FC wins – 4

Drawn – 2

Predicted Line-ups

East Bengal (4-1-4-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Nishu Kumar, Harmanjot Khabra, Jose Pardo, Mandar Rao Dessai, Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Borja Herrera, Nandhakumar Sekar, Javier Siverio

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Nim Dorjee, Joao Victor, Alex Saji, Sahil Tavora, Hitesh Sharma, Mohammed Yasir, Petteri Pennanen, Joe Knowles, Jonathan Moya

Players to Watch

Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal)

Naorem Mahesh Singh recently tied himself down to a new long-term contract at East Bengal and seems determined to help his side succeed. He impressed in his side’s first game against Jamshedpur, making five tackles and putting in quite a few inviting crosses.

Mahesh is still his side’s biggest creative threat with his brilliant crosses and an unpredictable figure with his movement. He’ll aim to be the decisive factor against Hyderabad, making clever runs in behind the backline and trying to score goals. Naorem will also look to set up big chances with his impressive delivery and be the x-factor for his side.

Jonathan Moya (Hyderabad FC)

Hyderabad FC have brought in Costa Rican striker Jonathan Moya to spearhead their attack this season. The 31-year-old is an experienced forward with lots of experience under his belt, having played for Spanish club Huesca in the past. He scored 14 goals for South Korean side Anyang last season and is quite a clinical goal-scorer.

Moya is efficient in front of goal and is blessed with impressive hold-up play ability along with gem-like aerial prowess. He’ll look to trouble the East Bengal backline with his intimidating figure and enhance his side’s attacking potential.

Did you know?

• East Bengal have never defeated Hyderabad FC in the ISL.
• East Bengal are one of the four ISL teams to have kept a clean-sheet so far this season.
• Hyderabad FC have won their last three successive games against East Bengal in the ISL.
• Hyderabad FC's new foreign defender Oswaldo Alanis had a stint at Getafe.

Telecast

The East Bengal vs Hyderabad FC game kicks off at 8 PM IST, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, on 30 September, 2023. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1 channel/VH1 channel). Live streaming of the game (in multiple languages) will be available on the JioCinema app.