Three times finalist Kerala Blasters takes on Hyderabad FC in their debut final in the eighth edition of the Indian Super League. Two of the best defenses this season will try to cancel out each other for the ultimate prize.
HFC vs KBFC Match Details
When: Sunday, 20 March 2022
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Fatorda Stadium
HFC vs KBFC Match Preview
Hyderabad FC took the hardest battle in the playoffs against previous season finalist ATK Mohun Bagan in the two-legged ties. Manager Manolo Marquez admitted it was a difficult one to pass through. The Nizams lost the second leg to the Kolkata based side after Roy Krishna scored. They prevailed 3-2 on aggregate regardless. The match tested their limits but as often seen in this season HFC are far from a side that loses nerve in the crucial stage. The pressure piles up in the final but in the words of Marquez if they play a good game they can beat anyone. Its legit to be confident after having the top scorer in competition history in the team. Bartholomew Ogbeche has bagged 18 goals this season grabbing the golden boot. With an agile defence also in place and Kattimani making the most saves than all, the team are confident of landing the silverware in their first final in the franchise's fourth year in existence.
Kerala Blasters task was professional against the shield winners Jamshedpur FC over two legs. They scored in the vital moments and shut the shop to frustrate the opposition. Reaching the final was a pivotal one for the Tuskers after twice coming close in the inaugural season and back in 2016. They quite never looked the same outfit after that. Ivan Vukamanovic stepped in and transformed the club's faith. They like HFC could have won the shield but Covid proved to be a stumbling block. The playing style has been ideal for the side as they produce some definitive football this season. The 4-4-2 formation not only provided solidity but the two strikers up front held the attack well. Creator Sahal and Luna stood out, combining with brilliant fashion. Livakovic and emerging player Hormipam kept the defense intact. Kerala have not found the edge in earlier finals even with strong squads so the experience will be handy this time out.
Recent Form
HFC: LWWWW
KBFC: DWDWW
HFC vs KBFC Team News :
HFC will finally have Asish Rai fit for the final even if he is still not capable of playing 90 mins. He was offered the last 12 minutes in the second leg of the playoffs after a month's battle with injury and Covid. There are no fresh concerns in the squad.
Ivan Vukamanovic said Sahal Abdul Samad will probably be available for the final. His condition will be evaluated by the medical staff after training.
HFC vs KBFC Expected Lineups :
HFC: Laxmikant Kattimani; Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Souvick Chakravorty, Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, Javier Siverio, Aniket Jadav, Bartholomew Ogbeche
KBFC: Prabhsukan Gill; Harmanjot Khabra, Hormipam R, Marko Leskovic, Sandeep Singh, Sahal Samad, Ayush Adhikari, Khawlhring Lalthathanga, Adrian Luna, Alvaro Vazquez, Jorge Pereyra
HFC vs KBFC Head to Head :
Both sides have gained one win each in two fixtures this season. Kerala Blasters excelled in the first one through Alvaro Vazquez's strike just before halftime earlier in the year. Hyderabad FC dominated in the game without the result but made sure to turn the tides around in the second play last season. Ogbeche and Siverio scored while Vincy Barretto got a late consolation in a 2-1 win.
HFC vs KBFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Kattimani (8.5)
DEF: Khabra (9), Leskovic (9), Juanan (8.5), Mishra (9)
MID: Yasir (8.5), Khawlhring (8.5), Victor (9.5), Luna (9.5)
FW: Pereyra (9.5) Ogbeche (10.5)
