The Blues currently sit third in the league, with 27 points from 15 matches, while Hyderabad FC are trailing in last place with just nine points from the same number of matches. After a good start to the season, the visitors are eight points behind league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant, a source said.
With just nine matches remaining in their regular season, Hyderabad FC absolutely need to secure points to preserve their ambitions of winning the ISL championship.
Bengaluru FC suffered a 0-1 defeat in their last match against Mohammedan SC, marking their first goalless encounter under coach Gerard Zaragoza, who took charge in December 2023. Since then, the team have shown marked improvement, with a solid attack that has seen them score 28 goals this season, compared to just 11 for Hyderabad FC. Interestingly, four of these 11 goals for Hyderabad have come in their last five meetings, where they have recorded two draws and suffered three defeats.
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A win for Hyderabad FC would extend their unbeaten run at home against Bengaluru FC to four matches. Conversely, the Blues are determined to avoid a third consecutive defeat to keep the pressure on the teams in the top half of the table.
While Bengaluru FC aims to rectify their away form, Hyderabad FC look to bounce back from a difficult campaign, setting the stage for a crucial clash for both teams.
Defensively, Hyderabad FC have conceded 26 goals in the box, which is exactly the same number as Bengaluru FC have scored in that area this season. The question remains whether Hyderabad will dare to adopt an advanced defensive line to regain possession in the opponent’s half and limit Bengaluru FC’s opportunities close to goal.
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Although Hyderabad FC have scored in their last two home matches, they have managed just one goal in their three home encounters against Bengaluru FC. They need to raise their game to capitalize on the visitors’ recent struggles.
Bengaluru FC’s attacking power, led by key players such as Sunil Chhetri (9), Ryan Williams (5) and Edgar Mendez (4), led the team to 26 goals scored in the box, just behind the total of 28 from Odisha FC.
The Blues enter this meeting looking to end a series of two consecutive defeats, a situation they have not experienced since October-November 2022. To seriously claim the top of the rankings, they must improve their performances at the outside.
Hyderabad FC interim coach Shameel Chembakath urged his players to focus on their game rather than fixating on the points at stake: “The message for the players has always been clear. It is to not not think about the three points. This way we will be in a good position,” Chembakath said according to a source.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC coach Gerard Zaragoza stressed the importance of enjoying the game: “We want to enjoy the way we play football. Of course we want to win. We have “I hate losing, but we also want the fans to enjoy watching us play,” Zaragoza said.
In their 11 meetings so far, Hyderabad FC have secured four wins, while Bengaluru FC have secured three, with the rest ending in draws.
