Hyderabad FC aims to return back to the top of the ISL standings with a win against East Bengal at home.
The Nizams picked up a 3-1 win against Chennaiyin FC after successive losses in the league while the Red and Golds defeated Jamshedpur FC by the same score to return back to winning ways.
HFC vs EBFC Match Details
Date: Saturday, 09 December 2022
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: GMC Balayogi Stadium, Gachibowli
HFC vs EBFC Match Preview
After a two-game hobble, Hyderabad FC manage to hit the full throttle against Chennaiyin FC last weekend to compensate for their losses. The Nizams got to score more than one goal since their draw against Mumbai City FC in the first match through Holicharan Nazary, Chinglensana and substitute Borja Herrera strikes in the second half of the game. Though Chennaiyin’s striker Petar Siliskovic snatched the clean sheet from the holders in the third consecutive game, Manolo Marquez will be pleased with the reaction shown by his players. After 1-0 losses to Kerala Blasters and ATK Mohun Bagan, this win not only brought back the momentum but got them closer to the top of the table. Hyderabad FC are now just two points away from the spot currently occupied by the Islanders and can claim it back again with a victory. At least for this round of games as Mumbai City FC are out of action until next weekend. Manolo Marquez’s side faces East Bengal on Friday to keep their winning run going yet the Red and Gold’s positive away form needs to be thought of. Last season’s top scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche is out of form as is other forwards Javier Siverio and Joel Chianese. In the long run, they need them firing. No player has scored more than three goals for the side and the total of 13 goals after nine games does not resonate well with a title-holding squad. Along with that, their defense has shown signs of leakage in the previous games. However, Hyderabad FC are delighted with the club’s top-scorer Narzary form who scored the necessary goal to break the deadlock in the win against the Marina Machans. The 28-year-old will be important again for Hyderabad FC to pick up a vital win on Friday.
Also Check the official preview of Hyderabad FC Hyderabad FC welcome East Bengal in tricky Friday-night fixture
Meanwhile, East Bengal also bounced back from their 4-2 loss against Odisha FC to dismantle struggling Jamshedpur FC 3-1. A third straight win for the Red and Gold away from home in the league. Scorer in each one of those victories, Cleiton Silva was on target again not once but twice along with VP Suhair who has contributed to four goals this season for the team this season. The former Bengaluru FC player is now the top scorer for East Bengal with five goals after making 12 goal contributions last campaign. To the joy of their manager Stephen Constantine and the fraternity, the Kolkata giants are able to give some attacking edge to their play in the last three games. With their forwards firing, they are optimistic about their chances to get into the playoffs if they keep their momentum. However, East Bengal faces quite a test as they face the league’s top two in the next couple of fixtures. First, they travel to GMC Balayogi Stadium to face Hyderabad FC and then welcome league leaders Mumbai City FC at Saltlake. Stephen Constantine’s men will like to gain as much as possible from these matches but they failed to take not even a point from the present top six sides. A worrying factor before taking on the champions. It is true Hyderabad FC have not found much joy in front of goal struggling to pitch down one particular source to help them score, unlike East Bengal who have Cleiton Silva. But the Nizams have a solid composition on their side and their winning mentality is hard to break down. Also, East Bengal have not won against Manolo Marquez’s men since their introduction to ISL. The Torch Bearers will be annoyed to throw the towel just now and will be wishing to continue their winning streak on the road to get themselves to the playoff spots.
Recent Form
HFC: WLLWW
EB: WLWLL
HFC vs EBFC Predicted Lineups
HFC: Gurmeet Singh; Nikhil Poojary, Odei Onaindia, Chiglensana Singh, Akash Mishra; Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharma; Mohammad Yasir, Borja Herrera, Holicharan Narzary; Bartholomew Ogbeche
EB: Kamaljit Singh; Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ivan Gonzalez, Lalchungnunga, Sarthak Golui; Mahesh Singh, O’Doherty, Alex Lima, VP Suhair; Cleiton Silva, Semboi Haokip
HFC vs EBFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: K Singh (8)
DEF: I Gonzalez (8), Onaindia (7.5), Sana (7.5), Mishra (8)
MID: Yasir (9), Suhair (9), Lima (8), Mahesh (9)
FW: Ogbeche (8), C Silva (9)
Vice-captain: Mahesh Singh
Captain: Cleiton Silva
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
