Bengaluru FC Vs Hyderabad FC Preview: Blues eye first win

The Nizams will look to build up on their positive start to the campaign with another victory against the former champions.

After a feisty affair against Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 league leaders FC Goa which ended in a 2-2 draw, Carles Cuadrat’s Bengaluru FC will have their sights on the three points when they host Hyderabad FC at the Fatorda Stadium. As for their opponents, they would like to build on their convincing victory against Odisha FC in the opening fixture, when they come up against the mighty Blues.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC had a difficult campaign last season after being humbled by eventual champions ATK in the playoffs. They also failed to qualify for the group stages of AFC Cup after losing out against Maziya S&RC in the playoffs. This season they have brought in quality reinforcements among the Indian as well as foreign contingent and will look to claim their second ISL title.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC opted for a complete revamp after a disastrous debut campaign last season and roped in experienced Spanish tactician Manolo Marquez at the helm. They have also signed quality players compared to the last season and in their first game, they had notched up a clean sheet which is their first in the brief history of the club.

Team News

Bengaluru FC have a full pool of players available for their game against Hyderabad FC. All their foreign recruits arrived on time and all of them are match-fit looking at their first game. There are also no injuries reported among the domestic players so Carles Cuadrat will be able to field the full strength side.

However, the story at the other end is different. Hyderabad FC played only four overseas players in the first game as the other recruits arrived late and were not match-fit. Among the domestic contingent, star defender and captain Adil Khan did not start the first game due to injury but appeared in the final few minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQcCRpu5VaE

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet; Khabra, Juanan, Gonzalez; Udanta, Suresh, Partaalu, Kuruniyan; Chhetri, Cleiton,Opseth

Hyderabad FC: Paul; Mishra, Adil, Onaindia, Rai; Hitesh, Sastre, Victor; Narzary, Liston, Aridane

Head-to-Head

The two southern sides have met each other twice earlier and the games resulted in a draw and a win in favour of Bengaluru side. Nonetheless, Hyderabad FC would like to draw first blood in this campaign against their rivals especially after a positive start.

Man to Watch

Erik Paartalu (Bengaluru FC)

The big versatile Australian was deployed as central midfielder in a four-man midfield in the previous game and was everywhere on the pitch thanks to his physical prowess. He is a big threat to any opposition sides through the set pieces. Apart from his aerial ability, he does all the dirty work in the midfield which allows his side to retain possession as they like to have the ball with them for maximum periods.

Liston Colaco (Hyderabad FC)

The 22-year-old Goan marksman ran riots against Odisha FC with his pace and skill after being substituted in just after the hour mark. He could’ve had a goal on his name if not for Arshdeep Singh's reflexive saves. He will come in handy for the Hyderabad side against a defensively compact and physical team like Bengaluru.

Telecast

The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.