ISL 2023-24: Hyderabad FC vs Odisha FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Teams coached by Sergio Lobera are yet to concede against Hyderabad in the ISL.

Hyderabad FC will contest the in-form Odisha FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on February 5, Monday, in pursuit of their maiden victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.

This match marks the commencement of the 14th matchweek of the current season of the ISL, with the home side still striving hard to catch hold of the coveted three points. They faced a 2-0 defeat to FC Goa in their previous encounter, with a Carlos Martinez brace depriving them of any point. Joao Victor was the only foreign international starting the game for Hyderabad FC and the situation is such that head coach Thangboi Singto has to make do with the available set of players, most of whom are from the domestic contingent.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC has a fairly young squad at its disposal and the coming few games gives them an excellent opportunity to hand a proper account of what they could offer in the Indian top-tier. For starters, they need to find some spark in their attacking patterns, having found the back of the net only once in their last six home matches.

They are currently on a seven-game winless run at the Gachibowli, and a victory against one of the favourites of the title could really help reinvigorate the spirits of the fans who must have lost some hope and belief lately. Such issues are evident at the back too, reflecting in their inability to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 fixtures in the league. Overall, the season is not transpiring as they would have liked and there are a host of factors that could be held against them for that. However, the immediate concern must be to shove aside those problems and work towards putting up an inspiring performance in search of the elusive victory.

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts now have equal points as FC Goa (27), but have played two more games (13), as compared to the Gaurs (11). The race for the first place in the standings is expected to go down to the wire with the fixture between FC Goa and Odisha FC playing a pivotal role in that later in the season. However, that’s a long journey to chart and the Juggernauts at this point need to ensure that they maximise whatever opportunity comes their way.

To be fair, they have been on a winning spree off late with the only blip being the Kalinga Super Cup final loss to East Bengal FC. They have progressed admirably well in Asia and the seasoned guard of the squad has stepped up to the challenge more often than not, much like how Krishna did in the previous game. Odisha FC has averaged 10.2 sequences of 10+ passes per game in the current season, which signifies how quickly they have adapted to Lobera’s ideas and playing philosophy. They will be confident and hoping to return with all points possible from Hyderabad.

Injury and Team News

To be updated.

Head-to-Head

Played – 9

Odisha FC – 4

Hyderabad FC – 4

Draw – 1

Predicted Lineups

Hyderabad FC

Gurmeet, Rafi, Sajad, Victor, Aaren, Chothe, Sailo, Saji, Chhunga. Rabeeh, Mark

Odisha FC

Amrinder, Narender, Ranawade, Delgado, Puitea, Mauricio, Jahouh, Lalrinzuala, Isak, Krishna, Rebello

Player to watch

Abdul Rabeeh (Hyderabad FC)

Abdul Rabeeh featured for Hyderabad FC in the opening half of the season too, but his prominence and involvement in matches is set to increase in this leg of ISL 2023-24. He will be playing a slightly more advanced role on the field, and that could perhaps help his offensive instincts to come to the fore in a greater capacity. The 23-year-old has created six goal-scoring opportunities in eight games, intercepting thrice, and recording a 77% passing accuracy.

Overall, he has made 29 appearances in the ISL, making 17 passes on an average in every 90 minutes and having notched three assists in total. Rabeeh will be up against a full-strength Odisha FC backline, with robust central defenders and dynamic fullbacks. His ability to work his way around them and influence the proceedings to the best of his abilities will be kept close tabs on.

Hitesh Sharma (Odisha FC)

Hitesh Sharma secured a move to Odisha FC from Hyderabad FC in the January transfer window and he will be hoping that his creative capabilities could be put to the best possible use by Lobera and his team. Hitesh can pack a punch whilst playing behind the striker, as his tenacious work ethic, and the desire to win every loose delivery or second ball helping the team retain and recover possession in dangerous areas higher up on the field.

He completes almost three-fourth of his attempted passes, and can take a formidable shot from outside of the 18-yard box. Hitesh ticks the basic fundamentals that one would demand from modern-day midfielders, and Lobera almost specialises in bringing the best out of such Indian players. The second half of ISL 2023-24 promises an exciting journey for the 26-year-old.

Did you know?

• Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC are level in terms of the head-to-head record.
• Sergio Lobera’s teams have never conceded against Hyderabad FC in the ISL.
• Roy Krishna recently clinched his 50th ISL goal.

Telecast

The Hyderabad FC vs Odisha FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, on February 5, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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