Hyderabad FC vs Bengaluru FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

Hyderabad FC will look to end their disappointing home run with this fixture

The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to return to action at the GMC Balayogi Stadium Hyderabad on 18th January 2025. Hyderabad FC gear up to host The Blues in a very awaited fixture in the City of Pearls.

Both Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC will be eager to grab three points as they enter the pitch. With both teams vying to improve their place at the league table, a win is important. The three points are crucial for both sides to solidify their position in the league standings especially for Bengaluru FC to remain in the ISL Shield Race.

💪 Battle ready for #HFCBFC!#TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/ItxXbj6G3N

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 17, 2025

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC‘s attacking inefficiency has been a major source of worry. In addition to being inefficient in front of the goal, the club has frequently struggled to generate clear-cut scoring opportunities. To move up the table, they will need to sharpen their offensive style, keep up the pace, and finish clinically.

Defensive stability has also been a significant worry. They lost the last match against Mohun Bagan due to individual mistakes and a lack of cohesiveness in the backline. To avoid giving up goals, they must fortify their defensive framework and enhance defender-to-defender communication.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC made a good start to the ISL 2024-25 season and were even title contenders. However, Gerard Zaragoza’s side fell into a couple of mixed results that saw them slow down their roll. They are coming off two consecutive losses against Jamshedpur FC and against Mohammedan FC at home. They sit at the third pot with 27 points from 15 matches this season and will look to bounce back to the winning way in the Indian Super League.

Injury and team news

Hyderabad FC’s Alex Saji will miss out on this fixture due to a red card suspension while the remaining of the squad will be available. However, Bengaluru FC have a fully fit squad at their disposal.

Head-to-head

Matches played : 12

Hyderabad FC wins : 4

Bengaluru FC wins : 4

Draws: 4

Predicted line-ups

Hyderabad FC

Karanjeet Singh (GK); Parag Shrivas, Stefan Sapic, Muhammad Rafi, Manoj Mohammad; Ayush Adhikari, Andrei Alba; Ramhlunchhunga, Cy Goddard, Abdul Rabeeh; Edmilson Correia

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Naorem Roshan Singh; Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sunil Chhetri

Players to watch

Edmilson Correia – Hyderabad FC

Edmilson Correia has rapidly become a fan favourite at Hyderabad FC, injecting excitement into the team’s attacking play. This Guinean winger possesses a unique blend of speed, agility, and dribbling skills, making him a constant threat to the opposing defences.

Nikhil Poojary – Bengaluru FC

The 29-year-old Nikhil Poojary, a right-back-turned-winger, has made a name for himself in Indian football by displaying his adaptability and style. Poojary has been crucial to Gerard Zaragoza’s team’s tactical system since signing. In addition to giving the attack more breadth, his fluid overlapping runs on the right wing have produced a lot of chances for goals. With his ability to provide accurate crosses and assists, he has been a vital part of Bengaluru FC’s season and a major contributor to counterattacks.

Did you know?

• Bengaluru FC have won the previous 2 matches against Hyderabad FC.
• Both the teams haven’t kept a clean sheet in the past ten matches
• Hyderabad FC are yet to win a home game this season
• Hyderabad FC haven’t won a match in 8 attempts

Telecast

The Hyderabad FC VS Bengaluru FC game kicks off at 05:00 PM IST, at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on January 18th 2025. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on 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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