Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC will be going all out to get three very crucial points in an intriguing clash today at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
The Nizams and the Blues have had results from their last three games. Both the clubs have won, drawn and lost a game. Hyderabad FC had a one-all draw in their previous match against Jamshedpur FC. Bartholomew Ogbeche was on the scoresheet while fans witnessed Mohammad Yasir being stretchered off to the bench. Hyderabad will be looking to snatch all the three points today.
Bengaluru FC lost to Mumbai City FC on a 1-3 scoreline in their last game. A handball in the box by Alan Costa led Mumbai to get the first goal through a penalty. Then a few other mistakes in the defence led to two other goals for the Islanders. A freekick by Cleiton Silva ensured a consolation goal for the Blues.
Team News
Hyderabad FC will be without the services of Halicharan Narzary and Mohammad Yasir for this game.
Bengaluru FC have five injured players – Musavu King, Sarthak Golui, Iman Basafa, Prince Ibara, Leon Augustine.
3 Indian Players to look out for
Rohit Danu
Liston Colaco had a huge impact as a super-sub for the Nizams last season, but in the most important situations, Rohit Danu was the player who has assisted goals which made the Nizams equalize against their opponents in the last minutes. Rohit Danu already has one goal to his name in the three games he played. He also became the youngest goalscorer for Hyderabad FC and will hope to continue showing his magic in today’s game.
Jayesh Rane
The 28-year-old midfielder is showcasing all his talent on the field this season, already having a goal to his name in three games. He has been doing a lot of work for the blues by taking crucial shots in the box contributing in defense. He will surely have a huge impact in today’s game by causing trouble to the Nizam’s full-backs and midfielders.
Sunil Chhetri
The Indian national team captain hasn’t yet had a goal contribution this season. In the four games which Sunil Chhetri has played, he has not been able to score or provide an assist. He will still be expected to play a key role in Bengaluru FC’s attack and will try to get his name on the scoresheet tonight.
3 Foreign Players to look out for
Cleiton Silva
The Brazillian has two goals and one assist to his name in four games. His freekick goal in the last game against Mumbai City FC got all the praise. Cleiton Silva along with Sunil Chhetri, Udanta and Jayesh Rane will cause a lot of trouble for the Nizams today. Cleiton Silva has never scored a goal against Hyderabad, he will be looking to get that goal today.
Edu Garcia
The Spaniard has played two games donning the yellow and black jersey. He has been nothing but the most important player in their midfield, giving key passes and doing a lot of defensive work for the Nizams. Edu Garcia was not part of the matchday squad against Jamshedpur FC in the last game and the difference was clearly visible as the midfield lacked a lot of creativity and Hyderabad couldn’t create many chances as they usually do.
Juanan Gonzalez
The former Bengaluru FC centre back has played three games this season and has contributed a lot for the defense. He has 7 clearances, 3 tackles, 3 interceptions and 4 blocks to his name. He has stood tall for the Nizams and will be doing the same againast former club. Juanan along with Chinglensana will play a huge role in stopping the likes of Cleiton Silva, Sunil Chhetri and Jayesh Rane from scoring.
Predicted Line-up
Hyderabad FC
Bengaluru FC
Head-to-head record
Total Matches – 4, BFC Wins – 1, Draws – 3, HFC Wins – 0
The last encounter between them ended as a two-all draw. Sunil Chhetri, Leon Augustine were the goalscorers for Bengaluru FC. Aridane Santana and Fran Sandaza were the goalscorers for Hyderabad FC.
Predicted result
Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC both have similar form in their last three games. Both the clubs will be looking to grab the three points. The Nizams have never won against the Blues and they will be looking to get their first win over them. Given the strength of both the teams, IFTWC predicts a draw
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