The 7th edition of the Indian Super League is underway. We have so far witnessed 3 quality matches over the last 3 days. The start of this edition was always bound to be exciting because there were a lot of new things to look forward to like, New signings New stadiums, New club, etc.
The new signings on the show so far have impressed by scoring 4 out of the 6 goals in the first three matches. Two new stadiums, The Tilak Maidan and Bambolim have also been of the highest standard. We have seen 6 teams in action so far in the tournament and will see the other 5 five in the coming days. 2 out of those 5 remaining will play today.
Both Odisha and Hyderabad failed to qualify for the semi-finals in their debut Indian Super League season. Heading into their second season in India’s top-flight league their aim will be to better their performances and secure a place in the top 4. Both the clubs have made some stunning signings in the transfer window and have appointed veteran coaches to steer their team to success.
Odisha has appointed former England u19 and South African national team manager Stuart Baxter. The 67-year-old tactician has a two-year contract with the club. Stuart Baxter is one of the high profile coaches in the Indian Super League and is well respected in South Africa. Stuart Baxter was a clear winner and the first choice for the job in Odisha but in Hyderbad things were much different.
All plans of Hyderabad FC were derailed when their coach Albert Roca received an offer from FC Barcelona. The offer was too good to turn down for Albert Roca, The club understood the situation and agreed to terminate Roca’s contract. They appointed Spanish Coach Manolo Marquez as their replacement for Albert Roca. Coach Manolo Marquez will want to make sure Albert Roca’s absence will not affect the club.
3 INDIAN PLAYERS AND 3 FOREIGN PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR FROM ODISHA FC
Now let’s take a look at their 3 Indian & 3 Foreign players to look out for in today’s encounter.
The Three Indian Players to watch out for will be:-
- Shubham Sarangi
- Vinit Rai
- George D’Souza
The Three Foreign Players to watch out will be:-
- Steven Taylor
- Marcelinho
- Manuel Onwu
3 INDIAN PLAYERS AND 3 FOREIGN PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR FROM HYDERABAD FC
The three Indian players to watch out will be:-
- Adil Khan
- Liston Colaco
- Akash Mishra
The three Foreign players to watch out for will be:-
- Joao Victor
- Joel Chianese
- Aridane Santana
EXPECTED LINEUP OF ODISHA FC
Kamaljit Singh (GK), Shubham Sarangi (RB), Steven Taylor (CB), Gourav Bora (CB), George D’Souza (LB), Cole Alexander (CM), Vinit Rai (DM), Diego Mauricio (LW), Marcelinho (CAM), Isak Vanlalruatfela (RW), Manuel Onwu (ST)
EXPECTED LINEUP OF HYDERABAD FC
Subrata Paul (GK), Souvik Chakrabarti (RB), Odei Onaindia (CB), Adil Khan (CB), Akash Mishra (LB), Joao Victor (DM), Lluis Sastre (CM), Halicharan Narzary (LW), Nikhil Poojary (RW), Joel Chianese (RF), Aridane Santana (LF)
INJURIES
As you might have noticed from our predicted lineup, Two important names are missing for Odisha. Australian Jacob Tratt and winger Jerry will be missing for them due to Injury. Hyderabad also have their Injury concerns, Similar to their opponents, Hyderabad have two players injured. Spanish Forward Fran Sandaza and Youngster Dimple Bhagat are the players who are reportedly injured.
HEAD TO HEAD
Since both the teams are new to the Indian Super League they have only played each other twice and on both occasions, Odisha FC came on top.
PREDICTION
We can expect an exciting Clash between these two sides. Odisha FC’s last season top scorer Aridane Santana will now look to score against them and Hyderabad FC’s Last season custodian Kamaljit (Now with Odisha) will look to deny him. Both the sides have enough quality to beat any team in the league on their day. Since it is the first match of the season both the teams will be very cautious and we are predicting a hotly contested draw between these two sides.