The newest entrants of the Indian Super League are all set to make their debut on 25th October against ATK. The team will be under the supervision of Phil Brown. Making their way out of the preseason friendlies without a defeat, Hyderabad FC seem to be in a hot form. Having a win against Velsao & Minerva Punjab and a draw against Real Kashmir FC , the team will be entering the season with a boosted morale.
Squad:
Goalkeepers– Kamaljit Singh, Laxmikant Kattimani, Anuj Kumar.
Defenders– Rafael Gomez, Matthew Kilgallon, Sahil Panwar, Ashish Rai, Tarif Akhard, Gurtej Singh.
Midfielders– Nestor Benitez,Adil Khan, Nikhil Poojary,Marko Stankovic, Mohammad Yasir,Laldanmawia Ralte, Sahil Tavora, Deependra Negi, Gani Anhmad, Shankar Sampingiraj, Rohit Kumar.
Forwards– Robin Singh, Bobo, Marcelinho Leite Pereira, Barnes Giles, Abhishek Halder
Squad Analysis:
The Goalkeepers- Kamaljit Singh being Hyderabad FC’s primary goalkeeper, has a record of 2 cleansheets in 25 matches. Laxmikant Kattimani will be their secondary goalkeeper with 6 cleansheets out of 35 matches. RATING- 7/10
The Defense: Matthew Kilgallon and Rafael Lopez Gomes will play a key role in the defence. These two internationals and Sahil Panwar will be the back 3 as far as we predict. RATING- 7/10
The Midfield: Midfield is the most happening place for Hyderabad FC. Coach Phil Brown have plenty of choices to fit in his best midfielders. Stankovic and Adil Khan will be important for framing the structure of the team. Adil has been playing as a pure centre back for the National team but we speculate that he would maintain his midfield position in the ISL. Wingers Nikhil Poojary and L Ralte will be apt as they provide pace and buildup to the whole attack. Nestor who is currently under a ban might get a chance later in the season. Also Sahil Tavora might fancy his chances of getting a spot to prove his mettle. RATING- 8/10
The Strikers: This is going to be a key season for Robin Singh who underperformed in the last season. On the contrary he has performed extremely well in the preseason matches where he scored a hat trick against Velsao and a brace against Minerva Punjab. Marcelinho the star player for FC Pune City who won the golden boots for 2016 would be an integral part of the Hyderabad FC’s attack. Also the Jamaican international player Giles Barnes could be the biggest signing for Hyderabad this season. Barnes has played for various clubs in the EPL and the MLS; to name a few clubs then he has played for Houston, Orlando, Derby county and West Bromwich. Bobo the Brazilian striker who has previously played for Sydney will also be crucial for the team from the City of Pearls. RATING-9/10
Top 11: (3-4-3)
Kamaljit Singh, Rafael Lopez Gomes, Matthew Kilgallon, Sahil Panwar, Adil Khan, Marko Stankovic, Laldanmawia Ralte, Nikhil Poojary, Marcelinho, Giles Barnes, Robin Singh
Overall: 7.5/10