Bengaluru FC vs Hyderabad FC Preview, predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details | ISL 2024-25

The Nizams will go up against an in-form Bengaluru FC side in their ISL opener.

Bengaluru FC is set to lock horns with Hyderabad FC in Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League(ISL) 2024-25 season on 19th September (Thursday) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The Blues who have already won their opening fixture will look forward to another decisive win and go up in the points table. 

The Nizams on the other hand will try to start their 2024-25 campaign with a win to rectify their disappointments from the last season. Hyderabad FC currently enjoy an advantage in the head-to-head record against the Blues, so it will thus be interesting to watch how both teams prepare to get all three points. Bengaluru, who will be playing in their stronghold, will definitely have an extra layer of benefit but the visitors will try to overcome that and give their all, starting their ISL season on a positive note.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have already gotten the start they have been looking for. The Blues secured all three points from their opening home game against East Bengal FC, and the team will also try to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming games.

Gerard Zaragoza and his men will try to move on from their unfulfilled Durand Cup campaign and aim for a good spot in the 2024-25 Indian Super League table. This season, with a mix of seasoned Indian players and top-quality experienced stars, they will look ahead in turning their last season’s misfortunes.

The Blues should aim to put on an exciting offensive show, keep up the pressure on the visitors, and grab the lead early in the game with the home crowd cheering behind them. Their promising start with a resolute display in the previous game, demonstrated how strong the club is after a fruitful preseason campaign. Therefore, the squad will put everything on the line to win three more points before facing the dangerous Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the next matchweek.

Hyderabad FC

Looking to turn things around after finishing at the bottom place in the ISL 2023-24, the defending champions will be looking to take the lead in their first match against the Blues. After overcoming their financial woes from the previous season after the B.C. Jindal Group’s timely takeover, Hyderabad FC has already acquired the services of some good foreign players whose official announcements are slowly being made.

With some renowned Indian players on the squad, the Nizams are expected to put up a strong show this season when they lock horns with every other team in the league.

Injury & Team News

Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC are expected to present a completely fit roster with all players available.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 10

Bengaluru FC wins – 3

Hyderabad FC wins – 4

Draws – 4

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Naorem Roshan Singh; Suresh Singh, Pedro Capo, Alberto Noguera, Vinith Venkatesh; Sunil Chhetri, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Hyderabad FC (4-3-2-1)

Aaryan Anjaneya (GK); Leander D. Cunha, Alex Saji, Muhammed Rafi, Parag Shrivas; Ayush Adhikari, Lenny Rodrigues, Isaac Vanmalsawma; Ramhlunchhunga, Abdul Rabeeh; Joseph Sunny

Players to Watch

Pedro Capo (Bengaluru FC)

The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder was signed by Bengaluru FC earlier this season with hopes of filling in the gap left behind by Javi Hernandez. Capo, who has more than 350 appearances in the Spanish third division, has already started showing his impressive style of play in the centre of the park. Under this new structure of Zaragoza, the Spaniard will surely be the mastermind behind the Blues’ offensive moves.

When he was last featured in their match against the Red and Gold Brigade, he showcased brilliant attacking play with the ball. So, without any doubt, Capo will definitely be a player to watch when they play against Hyderabad FC because he will actively try to keep the Nizams’ defenders on their toes. The midfielder will thus strive to combine well with the forwards, creating as many opportunities as possible and helping them find the back of the net.

Alex Saji (Hyderabad FC)

The defender decided to stay with Hyderabad FC despite many transfer rumors that were linked to him in the most recent transfer saga. When they play the in-form Blues at the Kanteerava, Alex Saji will play an influential role for his side. To prevent the Bengaluru attackers from hitting the back of the goal, Saji has to form a strong back-four partnership.

Apart from being a defender, the 24-year-old right-back benefits the squad with his overlapping runs from the flanks and sending lofted crosses. Alex Saji’s contribution will therefore be an X-factor for the Nizams in seeking three points, which will be essential for the team to occupy a higher place in the league standings.

Did you know

• The Nizams have recently acquired the services of the Brazilian striker Allan Paulista for the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

• Vinith Venkatesh of Bengaluru FC, who scored the winner in their last match against East Bengal FC, was a ballboy on the touchline when the Blues won the ISL title in 2019.

• Both Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC have only managed a single victory in their last five Indian Super League matches.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday (19 September). It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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