Hyderabad FC vs Bengaluru FC: 5 Things to Expect from the ISL match

Bengaluru FC eyeing a bounce-back

Bengaluru FC had a very slow start to this season, to say the least. They had registered their only win against NorthEast United and since then, things have not gone as planned for the blues. While Hyderabad had a flying start to their second season under Manolo Marquez, Bengaluru will be looking to turn their luck against the relatively new and young team.

The battle at the mid-table

This season's Indian Super League has been very competitive so far. BFC, the former ISL champions are at the 8th spot in the table while Hyderabad FC is sitting a spot-up right now with the same points and a game in hand. Winning this game against Hyderabad will mean BFC might get to register themselves in the top four momentarily. Which will turn out to be a much-needed redemption for the Blues.

Sunil Chhetri's lacklustre campaign

Sunil Chhetri's barren run this season has been a concern for the team. Chhetri is yet to add his name to the score sheet and has not yet bagged any assist. Indian National team captain is just two goals away two become the all-time highest goalscorer in ISL. On a rare occasion, Chhetri has missed converting from spot-kicks twice in the last two matches this season. Thus a goal against the rock-solid defence of Hyderabad might give Chhetri the necessary breakthrough.

Cleiton Silva vs The strong back four

Cleiton Silva had been the only glimpse of hope for the Bengaluru side throughout the season so far. He was the only one who had kept the Mumbai defenders on their toes. The Brazilian has been a reliable player for more than a season now but the dip of form from Chhetri has doubled his responsibilities upfront.

Finely tuned Hyderabad vs a dismal Bengaluru

Hyderabad's last match against Jamshedpur might have been a draw but it had shown the quality of the team. The defence had soaked up most of the attacks from the Valskis and Steward duo, which is one of the most fearsome this season. And the goal from Bartholomew Obegeche was a prime example of a perfectly executed combination play from the Nizams. Thus Manolo Marquez's men are in a rhythm that surely lack in the Bangalore side.

Probable lineup

Bengaluru FC line up: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Alan Costa, Yrondu Musavu-King, Roshan Singh, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan, Suresh Wangjam, Udanta Singh, B. Silva Almeida, Cleiton Silva, Ibara, Sunil Chhetri

Hyderabad FC line up: Laxmikant Kattimani, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Asish Rai, Joao Victor, Aniket Jadhav, Yasir Mohammad, Hitesh Sharma, Joel Chianese, Bartholomew Ogbeche.