Coming off a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the season opener, NorthEast United look for a win in their first home game of the season against holders Hyderabad FC.
The Highlanders were denied an equalizing goal at the death in controversial fashion in the loss while the Nizams shared the spoils in a 3-3 goal fest draw against Mumbai City FC to start off their campaign.
NEUFC vs HFC Match Details
Date: Thursday, 13 October 2022
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
NEUFC vs HFC Match Preview
New foreign signing in the midfield, Jon Gaztanaga thought he has snatched a stunning equalizer in dying minutes for NorthEast with a bullet strike from out of the box only for the referee’s flag to cut short the celebration. Two players of the visiting side were adjured to be in an offside position when Gaztanaga pulled the trigger following a corner but the replay showed a different story. This glaring error sparked an angry confrontation between the officials and the managerial staff with head coach Marco Balbul receiving marching orders for his retaliations. In a game that was very much even between the sides in terms of scoring chances, Bengaluru FC needed an 87th-minute header from defender Alan Costa to break the deadlock from a corner before the Highlanders could mount a late surge. Prior to the chaotic end, NorthEast also hit the crosspiece as luck ran out for them. Despite the loss, the performance should give hope of gathering positive results in the games ahead with home fixtures for the first time after two years in ISL proving crucial to get support from the fans. The Red and Blacks are back in Guwahati and they welcome the holders Hyderabad FC in another tough battle for them to earn their first victory this season. However, NorthEast have not enjoyed the best of time facing the club from Telangana since their addition into ISL. The first meeting between the sides did go in the favor of the Highlanders but since then they have suffered losses in four of their last five games. NorthEast have also received thrashing in the previous two meetings with Hyderabad claiming a 5-0 and a 4-1 wins last season. The Highlanders hope the home advantage finally comes to their rescue to cancel out the dire record in this fixture.
Hyderabad FC’s title defense got off to a goal-laden start against Mumbai City as the two champions from the last couple of seasons played an entertaining 3-3 draw. Renovation works at GMC Athletic Stadium forced the Nizams to compete in their first home game in Pune but had fans traveling there to support them. They surely weren’t disappointed by the score line at the end of the day. The Highlanders took the lead in the game from an unfortunate own goal by Sana Singh before Ogbeche won a penalty for the hosts for Joao Victor to convert near half time whistle. Hyderabad FC stepped up the gear immediately after the restart with Holicharan Narzary finishing off a fantastic team move to put them in front for the first time. Greg Stewart then leveled up proceedings in the 67th minute only for Joao Victor to reclaim the lead with his second of the evening heading in from a corner. The drama didn’t stop there as substitute Alberto Noguera still had the time to find one last opening to end the game without a winner or loser. Almost a home game for Mumbai City too in close proximity with Pune, Manolo Marquez’s side will feel the result was just about the right given the balance of play. The Nizams also had some injuries to deal with so taking a point out of a strong opposition like the Islanders in the season opener will go down as a positive result achieved. Leaking three goals in the game won’t be though and Hyderabad FC needs to improve on that aspect if this becomes a regularity. Making the trip to NorthEast for their first away game of the season HFC will look for their first win of the season knowing their five-game unbeaten streak against the Highlanders. Victory will be even more crucial with Bengaluru FC and FC Goa to face in the next pair of games both of whom has opened their account on a winning note.
NEUFC vs HFC Team News
Summer signing Emil Benny was substituted in the first half in the 1-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC after dislocating his shoulder in a harsh fall. The severity of the injury and recovery will decide his date of return. Head coach Marco Balbul was sent off for his protest against the official decision to not award NorthEast a legitimate goal in added time. In his absence, assistant coach Paul Groves will be in the sidelines on Thursday to oversee things. Even after the defeat, the team will largely remain the same from the last game with Rochharzela coming in place of the injured Emil Benny on the right wing.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC dealt with an injury blow when Joel Chianese was subbed off on the hour-mark of the thrilling 3-3 draw against Mumbai City for a possible hamstring injury. He certainly won’t be a part of the travelling squad to the North East. 24-year-old Spaniard Javier Siverio could get involved in the game as a case behind Bartholomew Ogbeche desperate to get into the scoresheet for the first time this season after scoring a brace in the last two matches against the Highlanders. Star left-back Akash Mishra missed the season opener altogether but can get back in the starting eleven for this clash replacing Manoj Mohammed. New signing Reagan Singh could make his ISL debut for the Nizams on the opposite flank ahead of Nikhil Poojary.
NEUFC vs HFC Predicted Lineups
NEUFC: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK); Mohamed Irshad, Gaurav Bora, Michael Jakobsen, Gurjinder Kumar; Romain Philippoteaux, Jon Gaztanaga, Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Rochharzela, Matt Derbyshire, Jithin M.S.
HFC: Laxmikant Kattimani(GK); Reagan Singh, Odei Onaindia, Chinglesana, Akash Mishra; Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharma; Yasir Mohammed, Javier Siberio, Holicharan Narzary; Bartholomew Ogbeche.
NEUFC vs HFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Kattimani (8.5)
DEF: R Singh (9), Irshad (7), G Kumar (7.5), A Mishra (9)
MID: Philippoteaux (7.5), J Victor (9), Yasir (8.5)
FW: Siverio (9), Ogbeche (8), Derbyshire (7)
Captain: Bartholomew Ogbeche
Vice-captain: Joao Victor
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