In-form Bengaluru FC take on Hyderabad FC, aim to grab the top spot

The new outfit have been struggling with form and injuries to key players and would look to prove a statement against the defending champions.

Bengaluru FC travel to a low-lying Hyderabad FC in their next, in a bid to move up to the top of the table. Interestingly, a change of club name and crest hasn't bought good fortune and certainly not a good start for Hyderabad FC (erstwhile FC Pune City). They only have one win to show in their five games so far this season and their last two defeats will certainly sting them hard with heartbreaking losses against NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC three nights ago. But the return of key players from injuries which has been the crying issue for head coach Phil Brown will somewhat satisfy him. It will give confidence to Hyderabad to go out there and put up a performance against the defending champions Bengaluru FC. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] The visitors also didn't have the best of starts drawing their first three games, but back-to-back wins with the last one being a resounding 3-0 win against rivals Chennaiyin FC is sure to boost their morale ahead of their trip to the land of the Nizams. Bengaluru coach Carles Cuadrat has stressed on the importance of consistency time and again and expects a very tough game against Hyderabad at their home stadium. Their lastest win against Kerala Blasters at home is sure to keep them in good stead. Moreover, the form of their inspirational striker-skipper Sunil Chettri has been invaluable to the champions so far. A win against Bengaluru would be a massive shot in the arm for Phil Brown and his men and would be a statement to the rest of the league.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC Hyderabad must dust off their early-season cobwebs in their shelf and start afresh by winning games and put a string of good results, something which their opponents have started doing. A win on Friday would take them within touching distance of the playoff spots. That could be the pedestal for motivation required for them to continue winning, but they will start as the underdogs. Their strikers will be up against the best defence in the league so far as the Blues have let in a solitary goal in their five games so far. Bengaluru FC  Bengaluru have the job of continuing their good run so far being one of only two teams (NorthEast United the other) this season to remain unbeaten. Their strong attack and depth in quality are sure to give them the upper hand and three points will take them to the top of the table. Cuadrat's men have had two draws in the two away games they have played so far this season so the win might not be as easy as it sounds.

Team News

Hyderabad FC  Phil Brown would certainly be happy with the return of Robin Singh and the potential return of Giles Barnes who reportedly failed a late fitness test ahead of their game against Chennaiyin this Monday. Robin Singh's presence is sure to give them the necessary attacking firepower. Adil Khan will continue to miss out due to an injury which is a blow to the side's defence. Bengaluru FC The visitors have a squad full of class and zero injuries which will bring a smile on head coach Carles Cuadrat's face. He will have all his players available for selection on the 29th.

Head-to-Head

The Nizams are playing their first-ever game against Bengaluru FC, but in their previous incarnation as FC Pune City they played six times against the Navy Blues and didn't win a single game, drawing once and losing five times.

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC: Kamaljit (GK) (C), Gurtej, Kilgallon, Rafa Lopez, Yasir, Stankovic, Rohit, Marcelinho, Robin, Poojary, Bobo. Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet (GK), Nishu, Juanan, Khabra, Bheke, Paartalu, Dimas, Augusto, Ashique, Udanta, Chhetri.

Men to Watch

Marcelinho (Hyderabad FC) The Hyderabad midfielder has been at the epicentre of everything good for his side this season however, he didn't have the best game last time against Chennaiyin. His performances against Northeast and Kerala Blasters at home are proof of his quality. If afforded space and confidence, he can be devastating with his dribbling and accurate passing. He is crucial first team player and his presence and consistency can help Hyderabad cause an upsurge in fortune and points against Bengaluru. Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)  For the visitors, one doesn't need to go beyond their inspirational skipper Sunil Chhetri. After a slow start in the first three games, the nation's top goalscorer has set his record straight with two goals in the last two games including a belter against Chennaiyin FC. His return to form comes at just the right time for the Blues in their quest to continue their strong run this season. They will hope that he continues his goal-scoring run against the Nizams. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Did You Know?

• In their previous incarnation as FC Pune City, Hyderabad have never won a game against Bengaluru FC drawing once and losing five times.
• Bengaluru have scored an average of 2.75 goals per game against Hyderabad (erstwhile Pune)
• Bengaluru have the longest unbeaten streak in ISL history (16 games since last season)

Broadcast

The game will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday and will be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Stars Sports 2 HD from 7:30 PM IST. It will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.