This is Sportstar's match blog/highlights of the encounter between Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT |
6.45 PM: Two changes for Hyderabad from its win over Chennaiyin FC. Narzary and Sastre return to the XI for Hitesh and Chianese. SIX changes for NorthEast. Ashutosh (suspended), Gurjinder, Mashoor, Brown, Suhair, Camara (suspended) - OUT. Dorjee, Fox, Lakra, Fanai, Ninthoi, Sylla - IN.
6.30 PM: The team news is in
Hyderabad FC XI (4-4-2)
Laxmikant Kattimani; Asish Rai, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra; Mohammed Yasir,Luis Sastre, Joao Victor, Halicharan Narzary; Fran Sandaza, Aridane Santana
NorthEast United FC XI (4-2-3-1)
Subhasish Roy; Nim Dorjee, Dylan Fox, Benjamin Lambot, Provat Lakra; Lalengmawia, Lalrempuia Fanai; Ninthoinganba Meetei, Federico Gallego, Luis Machado; Idrissa Sylla
6 PM: Here's how the two teams could line up:
Hyderabad FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Laxmikant Kattimani; Asish Rai, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra; Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharm; Joel Chianese, Mohammed Yasir, Halicharan Narzary; Aridane Santana
NorthEast United FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Subhasish Roy; Nim Dorjee, Mashoor Shereef, Benjamin Lambot, Gurjinder Kumar; Lalengmawia, Dylan Fox; Suhair VP, Federico Gallego, Luis Machado; Deshorn Brown
5.50 PM: Podcast - The merger between ATK and Mohun Bagan for ISL 2020-21 seemed like a match made in heaven, but fans didn't look pleased. Our reporters Shyam Vasudevan, Aashin Prasad and Amitabha Das Sharma delve into the reasons behind fans' displeasure and the raging hashtag #RemoveATK in the latest episode of 'The Full Time Show'.
Follow Sportstar's full coverage (Latest news, Interviews, Features, Points table, Quiz, Videos) of ISL 2020-21 .
The seventh edition of the Indian Super League got underway inside a bio-bubble in Goa on November 20.
The tournament, spanning over four months, will see 11 teams play each other in a league and playoff format across three venues. Following the inclusion of SC East Bengal, this season will feature 115 games, up from 95 last season.
MATCH PREVIEW:
Last season, Hyderabad and NorthEast United finished at the bottom of the Indian Super League (ISL) table. But the two struggling teams have turned around things in style in the current campaign, and are still in contention to qualify for the playoffs.
At present, both have accumulated 22 points after 15 games with fourth-placed Hyderabad just above its opponent, thanks to a better goal difference. And as it prepares to face each other at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Sunday, a win for either side could propel them to third.
While the Nizams have been unbeaten in their last 7 matches, NEUFC has turned its campaign around and boosted its playoff chances, remaining unbeaten in its last 5 games.
Interim coach Khalid Jamil has made NEUFC the team to beat since taking charge in January, leading it to three wins and a draw. While the Highlanders haven't kept a clean sheet in nine games now, their attack has been their main strength, having scored 21 goals – the second-highest tally in the league alongside FC Goa.
And its recent run of results hasn't gone unnoticed by Hyderabad coach Manuel Marquez. "The work of Khalid is very good because it's not easy to win against ATK (Mohun Bagan), Jamshedpur (and Mumbai City) and the other day when you are twice down against Goa to equalise the game (2-2)," he said. "I think the most important thing is that Khalid gives the players confidence. They play with a good organisation in defence and have very good players in attack. Of course, we will have options to win the game if we play to our style."
To increase its chances of winning, HFC will have to keep a tight leash on midfielder Federico Gallego, who has been key to NEUFC's attack. The Uruguayan has scored four goals and contributed as many assists besides creating the most chances for his side. However, Khalid believes its recent progress has been down to the team effort.
"It is not about the individuals," he said. "Everyone is working hard, the players are doing their job and are enjoying. Even the staff, everyone is working together. This is the main secret (to our success)."
NEUFC will be without right-back Ashutosh Mehta and central midfielder Khassa Camara, who will be suspended after picking up four yellow cards each.
But one aspect Khalid will be aware of is NEUFC's tendency to concede in the second half, having shipped 60 per cent of its goals during that period. Furthermore, HFC has netted 15 of its 20 goals after the break.
"Hyderabad is a good team and they prepare very well," Khalid said. "Our preparation will always be the same but tomorrow's match will be crucial."
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