Following a loss in their first game of the campaign, Hyderabad FC will be facing the defending champions Mumbai City FC today at the Fatorda Stadium.
Mumbai City recorded a 3-0 win over FC Goa in their opening game this season, with Des Buckingham going all out using Apuia, Bipin Singh, and Igor Angulo. The golden boot winner scored two goals against his former club, followed by Ygor Catatau, which ensured FC Goa could not make any comeback.
Hyderabad FC, meanwhile, continued their possession-based gameplay using young players just like last season. The issue of not finishing the chances created persists for the Nizams, as they took 12 shots but couldn’t find the net. Halicharan Narzary getting injured and a careless penalty conceded did not help their case and set them back in the first game.
Team News
Hyderabad FC will be without Halicharan Narzary for the next 2-3 games after the injury conceded in the first game of the season.
Des Buckingham will not have Vignesh Dakshinmurthy available as the left-back will be on the sidelines for the next six weeks.
3 Indian Players to look out for
Apuia Ralte
The star signing of Mumbai City FC was spectacular in their game against FC Goa. When Apuia was signed, there was some doubt about him getting game time in Mumbai since there were a lot of other players competing for the defensive midfield role, but Des Buckingham gave Apuia a chance to start, and he proved his qualities.
Apuia’s impact will be similar in the game against Hyderabad FC, as he will be crucial for Mumbai to defend against players like Edu Garcia and Mohammad Yasir.
Mohammad Nawaz
The former FC Goa goalkeeper wasn’t quite busy in his first game donning the Mumbai jersey, but the match against Hyderabad will be different. The Nizams create numerous chances, taking shots from the wings and the box and center. Nawaz will undoubtedly be a key player in the game to come.
Mohammad Yasir
With Halicharan Narzary injured, Mohammad Yasir played a crucial role in creating the chances for the Nizams against Chennaiyin. The winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, was a continuous threat down the flanks, with Asish Rai and Edu Garcia behind him. In the last game, Rai, Garcia, and Yasir caused many problems for Chennaiyin FC, and the latter is expected to be just as impactful in today’s game.
3 Foreign Players to look out for
Igor Angulo
Mumbai City’s last game saw the former FC Goa striker score twice as the 37-year-old looks determined to bag another Golden Boot award. The Nizams will have to keep a sharp eye on the Spaniard to stop him from scoring goals.
Joao Victor
The Brazillian midfielder played for ninety minutes in Hyderabad’s opening game of this season. We saw Victor fill in the center back role soon after Juanan was subbed so that Sahil Tavora could take his place and push forward. Joao Victor had a significant impact on the game, and he will continue to do so against MCFC.
Bartholomew Ogbeche
Although he failed to lead the Nizams’ offence last game, Mumbai will still have to deal with the all-time top scorer of both NEUFC and KBFC. When he gets a chance, Ogbeche never fails to take an accurate shot. He is a player who can hold the ball for a long time in the final third and create chances for the others. It will be interesting to see what he accomplishes in the game today.
Predicted line-up
Mumbai City FC
Hyderabad FC
Head-to-head record
Total Matches – 4, MCFC Wins – 2, Draws – 2, HFC Wins – 0
The last encounter between the two teams ended with a goalless draw.
Predicted result
Mumbai City FC dominated their first match with no difficulties, while Hyderabad FC tried hard but failed to capitalize on the chances created against Chennaiyin. Hyderabad FC has never won a game against the Islanders. The team will fight till the end to record their first win over Mumbai and get their first three points this season. Based on the strengths of both teams, IFTWC predicts the match will be a draw for both teams, with a few goals and good passing style football from both teams.
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