Preview: Hyderabad FC keen to extend unbeaten run against Bengaluru FC

Both the teams will be looking to record their second win of the season.

The upcoming clash between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 campaign will be an entertaining contest. Both teams come into this fixture on the back of dropping points in their previous fixtures, but Hyderabad have a slight edge as they're unbeaten in their last two games.

As both teams search for their second win of the season, the Nizams will look to find some consistency and take home the three points, after drawing the last match against Jamshedpur FC. At the same time, the Blues will look to end a three-match winless run by winning against HFC.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Manolo Marquez earned a lot of recognition for his work last season and gave ample game-time to young Indian players. The objective this year is to finally take the next step and finish among the playoffs positions.

This fixture against Bengaluru FC becomes extremely vital in that regard, as they too have playoffs ambitions of their own. HFC need to pick up the pace and secure their second win of the season to stay in contention.

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Bengaluru FC

The Blues are under pressure this season after suffering their worst finish in the ISL last campaign. The former ISL winners finished in seventh position during the 2020-21 season and aim to improve on that. Marco Pezzaiuoli needs to play his cards right and end his team’s streak of three games without a win. 

Team News

Hyderabad FC will miss the services of Halicharan Narzary and Mohammad Yasir who are nursing injuries. There are no other major concerns in the team.

Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, will likely play without Prince Ibara who left the field early against Mumbai City with an injury. 

Head-to-Head

Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC have played four times in the past in the ISL, out of which BFC have won once and the other three were draws. The last meeting between the two ended in a 2-2 draw.

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC: L. Kattimani (GK); A. Rai, C. Singh, Juanan, A. Mishra; Joao Victor, H. Sharma, Yasir. Mohd., J. Chianese, A. Jadhav; B. Ogbeche.

Bengaluru FC: G. Sandhu (GK); R. Singh, A. Costa, Y. Musavu-King, A. Kuruniyan; S. Wangjam, B. Ramires. J. Rane; S. Chhetri, U. Singh, C. Silva.

Man to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

The obvious source of threat from HFC will be their striker Bart Ogbeche. The Nigerian striker is one of ISL’s most lethal. He has scored two goals already and will certainly add to that number. The Nizams signed Ogbeche because of his winner’s mentality and the forward will like to lead the team to the playoffs this term.

Cleiton Silva (Bengaluru FC)

The forward line at BFC is under-performing this season, barring Cleiton Silva. He has been in good form in the initial matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the process.

The Brazilian scored a magnificent free-kick goal against Mumbai City in the previous fixture and looked hungry for more. HFC defenders must pull up their socks in order to contain Silva.

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Did You Know?

• BFC’s Bruno Ramires has won the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A with Cruzeiro.
• The Nizams have never beaten the Blues before in the ISL
• Neither side has kept a clean-sheet yet in the ongoing 2021-22 season

Telecast

The match will kick off at 7:30 pm and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network. You can also catch the game live on the Disney+Hotstar and Jio TV apps.

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