Hyderabad FC Vs Jamshedpur FC Preview: Nizams focus on unbeaten run

The Men of Steel are yet to win a game after dropping points in their first two fixtures of the season.

Hyderabad FC host Jamshedpur FC at Tilak Maidan on Wednesday in what is expected to be an entertaining affair in the Indian Super League (ISL) between the Nizams' defence and the Men of Steel’s attack.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC have had a good start to their campaign after grabbing four points in two games and they would like to carry on the momentum from the first two games. The Nizams have achieved these results despite a handful of key players being absent due to injury and lack of match fitness. They are one of only two teams who are yet to concede a goal this season.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC have managed to bag one point out of a possible six, courtesy of a 2-1 loss against Chennaiyin and 2-2 draw against Odisha FC. The Jharkhand-based outfit will be eager to put their campaign back on track after opting for a complete revamp in the summer.

Team News

All is not well for Hyderabad FC in terms of injuries. They had a handful of stars out due to fitness concerns before the start of the season and they are now sweating over the availability of Joel Chianese and Lluis Sastre, after both players sustained knocks in the previous encounter against Bengaluru FC.

Talismanic defender Peter Hartley who was not completely fit before the last game played through the injury and it remains to be seen whether he can play a role in the next game. Meanwhile, Narender Gahlot wasn't included in the matchday squad against Odisha FC and it is yet to be known whether he can be involved against Hyderabad. Goalkeeper Rehenesh TP will miss the game as well after receiving a red card against Odisha FC.

Probable Lineup

Hyderabad FC: Paul; Rai, Onaindia, Chinglensana, Mishra; Hitesh, Victor; Poojary, Yasir, Narzary; Santana.

Jamshedpur FC: Pawan; Renthlei, Eze, Hartley, Lallawmawma; Rahman, Monroy, Alex; Jackichand, Isaac, Valskis.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1nJnCHURtI

The two sides have met each other two times previously and the record is in favour of Jamshedpur, with one win and one draw. Both the teams would be looking draw first blood this season.

Man to Watch

Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC)

The former Arrows left-back has earned many plaudits this season from the media and his coach. Manolo Marquez has touted him to become one of the best left-backs in the country in the future.

The 18-year-old has been solid in defensive contributions, keeping the likes of Udanta Singh and Cleiton Silva quiet in the last game. He also chipped in with offensive contributions whenever he found space on the left.

Nerijus Valskis (Jamshedpur FC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGH-dwPTw28&t=1s

The 33-year-old Lithuanian striker received the Golden Boot after taking the Marina Machans into the final of the Indian Super League 2019-20. This season, he was snapped up by the Tata Steel-owned outfit and has continued from where he left off in the last campaign.

The lanky forward has scored three goals in two games so far this season, including a brace against Odisha FC in the last game. He would be eager to better his number when they travel to the Tilak Maidan in Vasco.

Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC have two clean-sheets in two games this season. They only managed one in the whole of last campaign.
• Owen Coyle took Burnley to the Premier League after winning the Championship playoffs in the 2008-09 season. In the following campaign he defeated Sir Alex Ferguson-led Manchester United in the opening game at Turf Moor.
• Manolo Marquez is the cousin of Albert Roca, who was previously appointed HFC’s head coach but left before the start of the season for a job at FC Barcelona.

Telecast

The match between Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC 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.