ISL 2023-24: Hyderabad FC aim maiden points against Mumbai City

Hyderabad FC are yet to register a point and have lost all three of their ISL games.

Mumbai City FC are gearing up for an electrifying showdown against Hyderabad FC. The Islanders have been on a scintillating run in the ISL 2023-24 season, currently residing within the top four of the league table, making every match a thrilling spectacle.

Des Buckingham's squad is emerging from a challenging 6-0 defeat at the hands of Al Hilal on foreign soil. While their performance in the domestic league has been nothing short of flawless, the AFC Champions League poses a formidable challenge to Mumbai City FC.

With the Islanders clashing with the Nizams next, let’s take a look on what we can expect from this high octane clash:

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

In the context of the ISL, the team has got nothing to prove. Their results show the stature the ISL giants have and how well they have fared in the opening three matches of the domestic league.

Des Buckingham and his squad are facing a critical juncture however, as they must regroup and tend to their wounds following a humiliating 6-0 defeat in the AFC Champions League group stage (Al Hilal). They need to do the same swiftly in order to prevent the ISL teams from capitalising on their vulnerability.

Hyderabad FC

The Nizams have encountered a rough patch in the ISL 2023-24 season. Following the departure of Manolo Marquez, the team has struggled to find its groove, leaving the Hyderabad camp shrouded in uncertainty.

Hyderabad FC are still in search of their first victory in the ISL campaign. With three games played, they find themselves at the bottom of the table, yet to secure a single point. This presents a golden opportunity for them to open their account against the Islanders, who are licking their wounds after a humbling 6-0 defeat to Al Hilal.

Injury & Team News

Mumbai City FC parades a robust and injury-free line-up, yet they'll have to make do without their Dutch midfielder, Yoëll van Nieff. He's been slapped with a three-match ban for his involvement in a brawl during the match against Kerala Blasters.

Hyderabad FC have their full squad fit to face Mumbai City FC.

Head-to-Head

Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have locked horns on eight occasions.

Mumbai City FC wins - 2

Hyderabad FC wins - 2

Draws - 4

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Tiri, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Vinit Rai, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Oswaldo Alanis, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Joao Victor, Sahil Tavora, Mohammad Yasir, Petteri Pennanen, Joe Knowles, Felipe Amorim.

Players to Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

The Indian winger is a star in the making. His quick feet and blistering pace is a threat for any defender. Additionally, his ability to carve out exquisite crosses from the wings is a delight to watch. Although Chhangte hasn't started firing, he will be a huge threat to the Nizams.

Chinglensana Singh (Hyderabad FC)

The Indian defender serves as a guiding light for the Nizams' defence. While the team has faced challenges, conceding four goals this season, Thangboi Singto can place his trust on Chinglensana Singh to marshall the defence and stand strong against the Islanders.

Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC are yet to register a point in this ISL edition.
• Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have each secured two wins in their head-to-head clashes.
• Mumbai City FC's Akash Mishra and Hyderabad FC's Vignesh Dakshinamurthy will be up against their former teams.

Telecast

The kick-off for the Mumbai City FC vs Hyderabad FC game is at 8:00 PM IST on 28 October 2023 . The match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena. The live broadcast and live streaming of the game will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1 Channel/VH1 Channel) and JioCinema app, respectively. Viewers from abroad can watch the game on OneFootball.