Champions Mumbai look to continue their winning start to the season against a talented Hyderabad FC team at Fatorda. It is the weekend doubleheader with a new kick off on Saturday with the Kolkata Derby being played earlier in the night.
MCFC vs HFC Match Details :
When: Saturday, November 26
Time: 21:30 (IST)
Where: Fatorda Stadium
MCFC vs HFC Match Previews :
Mumbai City couldn't have started their title defense in a better way than that splendid 3-0 win over FC Goa where the Gaurs didn't stand a chance. After not being awarded a sure spotkick after Vignesh was clumsily brought down and him picking up a serious injury, Goa repeated their mistake with Ivan Gonzalez penalized for bringing down Cassinho. Up stepped Igor Angulo who converted before his bullet left boot made it 2-0 within minutes before Ygor nailing the last in the second half. Des Bellingham has stressed on pressing rather than possession-based football and the plan was perfect as Goa were forced into mistakes. Opposition manager Juan Ferrando admitted they lost the game in transitions. As well as the attack, the defense proved to be a brick wall with Rahul Bheke producing a strong performance in the center-back role. They will be wishing to do the same against an ambitious but works need to be done Hyderabad side in the next game.
Manolo Marquez brought an exciting group of talent together and helped them race towards a fascinating season last term. Something similar is expected out of the team this season that just narrowly missed out on the playoffs but was halted by Chennaiyin in the opening fixture. Although they dominated almost every stat of the game, a silly penalty conceded led Vladimir Koman to convert from the spot to score the only goal of the game. It was more down to the unexpected misses a famed ISL name like Bartholomew Ogbeche did during scoring chances while another signing, Edu Garcia seeing his freekick saved and others ruled out for offside. The composure of finishing was certainly missing for the Yellow shirts with Chennaiyin's defense looking shaky. But HFC will see their defense do the same if they forget their shooting boots against the champions. There is no other option for Marquez other than relying on individual skills to get something out of this enormous clash.
Last Match :
Mumbai City came out the convincing winner with a 3-0 victory in an important clash against Goa in their first game while Hyderabad FC failed to either score or win against Chennaiyin FC in the 1-0 result.
MCFC vs HFC Team News :
Coach Des Bellingham has confirmed that left-back Vignesh will be out for approximately four to five weeks depending upon the results of the scan he is sent for. He was on the receiving end of a cynical challenge from Goa's Leander inside the box that officials completely missed for reasons unknown. Raynier is fresh as the rest of the squad after the midfielder seemed to have taken a knock in the win against Goa but is available for this one. New signing Catatau scored coming off the bench but he is unlikely to replace Igor Angulo who with his brace against his former side in his Mumbai debut making him a major player for their season.
Hyderabad FC will be without their key winger Holicharan Narzary after he sustained a knee problem just eight minutes into the game against Chennaiyin. The rest of the squad is free from any injuries.
MCFC vs HFC Expected Lineups :
Mumbai City: Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Rahul Bheke, Mohammed Rakip, Apuia, Ahmed Jahous; Raynier Fernandes, Cassinho, Bipin Singh, Igor Angulo
Hyderabad FC: Kattimani (GK); Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Hitesh Sharma, Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, Nikhil Poojari, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Edu Garcia.
MCFC vs HFC Head to Head :
MCFC stood unbeaten against Hyderabad in the previous season but faced quite a bit of challenge in the two games. The first game last term ended 0-0 despite Mumbai being in the ascendancy while the latter one finished 2-0 in the favor of Islanders. In fact, Hyderabad has failed to beat Mumbai since its inception in the league.
MCFC vs HFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Kattimani (HFC)
DEF: Ranawade (MCFC), Fall (MCFC), Bheke (MCFC), Akash (HFC)
MID: Jahouh (MCFC), Victor (HFC), Garcia (HFC), Cassinho (MCFC)
FW: Ogbeche (HFC), Angulo (MCFC)
Match Prediction: MCFC 2-0 HFC
It is almost certain that Mumbai will follow up their fantastic win over Goa with another three-pointer in this clash. The new changes haven't caused the change in mood for Islanders who are making a habit of tasting victories. Manolo Marquez will have to think about other fixtures to achieve success.
