Football
ISL: Punjab FC eye hattrick of wins against young Hyderabad FC
Punjab FC will take on Hyderabad FC in their match of the Indian Super League season 11.
Delhi: Punjab FC has been on a good run at the start of the Indian Super League Season 11 with two consecutive wins in the first two games.
The Shers took full points against Kerala Blasters in the first game of the season and then defeated Odisha FC on return to their home ground in New Delhi.
Despite losing lethal Luka Majcen to a jaw injury, Punjab has displayed a tight-knit style with clinical attack and resolute defence.
Facing Hyderabad FC in their third game, Punjab FC will look to make it a hat-trick of wins at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, PFC Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty said, “We have started the season very well and both the Indian players and foreign recruits have adapted quickly to the tactics of the Head Coach. Hyderabad is a young side with very good Indian players who is coached by a very good tactician. We will not take tomorrow’s match lightly and it is going to be a very competitive game and we hope at the end of the match we continue our winning streak.”
The eyes will be on young Nihal Sudeesh who has been electric down the wings neatly scoring against Odisha. The Kerala youngster has been on a hot streak winning consecutive player of the match awards.
“I have worked hard for this season and I continue to play as I have started. The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic and all players are motivated to perform consistently this season. It is going to be a tough match tomorrow and we hope to get three points," the youngster said ahead of the game.
Among other Indians, Leon Augustine and Nikhil Prabhu will be the players to watch out for with Leon being involved in goals after coming off from the bench while Prabhu being the engine of the team in midfield.
New signing Mushaga Bakenga will have a chance to make amends from the last game where he missed two clear-cut chances.