Hyderabad FC vs East Bengal FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

The Nawabs will be eager to end their year on a positive note.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to return to action at the GMC Balayogi Stadium Hyderabad on 28th December 2024. Hyderabad FC gear up to host their final home game of 2024 against East Bengal FC.

Both Hyderabad FC and East Bengal 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

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC, are grappling with a challenging period in their season. The Yellow and Black have suffered five consecutive defeats, losing to Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC and Northeast United FC respectively. This string of losses has seen them slip down the league table as they remain languishing at the bottom of the table.

These constant defeats have seen them accumulate only seven points from ten matches, leaving them languishing in 12th position on the ISL table.

Defensive lapses have become a recurring theme, while the team’s once potent attack has lost the spark, struggling to convert promising chances into goals. To compound matters, Hyderabad FC have been unable to maintain leads, conceding crucial goals that have derailed their momentum.

East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC are experiencing a resurgence in form under Oscar Bruzon, having secured four victories in their last five matches. This impressive run has moved them up the league table, positioning them within striking distance of the playoff spots.

The team has demonstrated great improvement in attacking, defensive solidity and offensive style of play.

As they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot East Bengal FC will be eager to maintain this winning streak and cement their place in the playoffs race.

Injury and team news

Saul Crespo and Madih Talal are ruled out and will be unavailable for East Bengal FC.

Hyderabad FC have a fully fit squad at their disposal.

Head-to-Head

Total matches played : 10

Hyderabad FC wins : 4

East Bengal FC wins : 3

Draws : 3

Predicted lineups

Hyderabad FC

Karanjeet Singh (GK); Parag Shrivas, Stefan Sapic, Mohammed Rafi, Alex Saji; Ayush Adhikari, Andrei Alba; Ramhlunchhunga, Cy Goddard, Abdul Rabeeh; Edmilson Correia

East Bengal FC

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Mohamad Rakip, Hector Yuste, Hijazi Maher, Lalchungnunga, Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, PV Vishnu, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva, David Lalhlansanga

Players to watch

Edmilson Correia (Hyderabad FC)

Edmilson Correia has quickly established himself as a key player for Hyderabad FC in the ongoing ISL season. The Guinean winger, with his electrifying pace and mesmerizing dribbling skills, has been a constant thorn in the side of opposing defences.

In just six appearances, he has showcased his clinical finishing ability, scoring two goals and creating six valuable chances for his teammates. With seven shots on target, Correia has proven to be a consistent threat, keeping opposition goalkeepers and defenders on high alert. His ability to weave his way past defenders, combined with his precise crossing and eye for goal, makes him a valuable asset to Hyderabad FC and a player to watch out for.

Anwar Ali (East Bengal FC)

Anwar Ali has been the heart of the East Bengal FC defence this season. His impact has been evident in their recent resurgence, with the team keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches under Oscar Bruzon.

Notably, he displayed exceptional skill in the 0-0 draw against Mohammedan Sporting, leading the defence with composure despite playing with nine men for a significant portion of the game. He is not only a reliable defender but also takes up the role of a midfielder with ease who easily marches forward playing it into empty spaces

In 11 appearances, he has averaged over four possession recoveries, four clearances, and nearly three duels won per game, highlighting his dominance in defensive duels. He has created six chances there by showing his crucial role in disrupting opposition attacks making him a key player to look out for.

Did you know?

• Hyderabad FC are yet to win a game at home this season
• East Bengal FC have won the previous three matches against Hyderabad FC.
• Hyderabad FC haven’t kept a clean sheet in seven matches

Telecast

The Hyderabad FC VS East Bengal FC game kicks off at 05:00 PM IST, at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on December 28th, 2024. 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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