Rocked by losing to Odisha FC, Hyderabad FC look to seal the second spot on the table against out-of-form ATK Mohun Bagan fighting to stay in contention for the playoffs.
The Nizams lost 3-1 to the Juggernauts last week while the Green and Maroons played a goalless stalemate against Jamshedpur FC.
HFC vs ATKMB Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 14 February 2023
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad
HFC vs ATKMB Match Preview
Hyderabad FC’s eight-game unbeaten run in the ISL came to an unexpected end with that loss to Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium. Their glimmer of hope for claiming the top spot also went down with it as Mumbai City FC won the Winners Shield for the second time in three seasons by beating FC Goa in their game a day after. The silverware was one of the main objectives for Nizams this season after narrowly losing out to Jamshedpur FC last season. It became difficult for this campaign because of the incredible form of Islanders on the cusp of invincibility. Manolo Marquez’s side still has the ISL title to defend though having qualified for the playoffs in March. However, the second spot on the table is not secured yet with one more win required to cement it. They will play back-to-back homes before ending the league phase away at Jamshedpur FC. At the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad FC has collected 17 points from eight games, losing only twice. The Nizams will be wishing to fulfill their task on Tuesday itself against ATK Mohun Bagan rather than leaving it late as the playoff chase heats up for the others.
The goalless draw against ninth-placed Jamshedpur FC leaves ATK Mohun Bagan in a precarious position in the race for the playoffs. Juan Ferrando’s side has now registered only one win from the last five games sitting in fourth on the table but just a point better in the top-six place. Inconsistency, under-firing forwards and injuries have caused a major dilemma for the Green and Maroons for the huge part of the season which could even cost their qualification to the playoffs. Furthermore, they face a tough schedule facing Hyderabad FC away and then Kerala Blasters at home before finishing the league phase with a cracking Kolkata derby against East Bengal. Despite their rivals not being in contention for the playoffs and losing against them every time in ISL, a derby is always unpredictable. ATK Mohun Bagan faces an uphill battle with their chief creator missing and a shortage of options in the midfield as well. The club has spent a lot on transfers since their iteration to the league in 2020 but so far went to the final only once. Last year, their opposition Hyderabad FC eliminated them from the playoffs. Juan Ferrando knows his team has to win this clash otherwise better form of other contenders for the playoffs will eventually strike them off from the top-six.
Recent Form
HFC: LDWDW
ATKMB: DLWDL
HFC vs ATKMB Team News
Coach Manolo Marquez said changes are expected in the starting eleven for Hyderabad FC on Tuesday. Left-back Akash Mishra will return from suspension with Reagan Singh also starting on the opposite flank. Sahil Tavora, Javier Siverio and Rohit Danu could come in likewise. Chinglensana Singh has been unable to displace Nim Dorjee in the back four and the Sikkim-born footballer should retain his spot after scoring in the last game.
ATK Mohun Bagan dealt with another injury blow after Carl McHugh was withdrawn at half-time with a problem in his groin. It puts his availability for the next games in doubt and further limits the option in midfield. Hugo Boumous picked up a hamstring injury before the game against Jamshedpur FC so couldn’t feature despite completing his suspension. The extent of his absence is not known yet. Ashique Kuruniyian will serve the last of his three-match ban.
HFC vs ATKMB Predicted Lineups
HFC: Gurmeet Singh; Reagan Singh, Nim Dorjee, Onei Onaindia, Akash Mishra; Sahil Tavora, Borja Herrera; Mohamad Yasir, Javier Siverio, Halicharan Narzary; Bartholomew Ogbeche
ATKMB: Vishal Kaith; Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brenden Hamill, Subhasish Bose; Slavko Damjanovic, Glen Martins; Manvir Singh, Federico Gallego, Kiyan Nassari; Dimitri Petratos
HFC vs ATKMB Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Kaith (8)
DEF: Asish (8.5), Onaindia (8), Bose (9), Mishra (8.5)
MID: Yasir (9), Gallego (7), Narzary (9)
FW: Manvir (8), Ogbeche (8.5), Petratos (9)
Vice-captain: Bartholomew Ogbeche
Captain: Dimitri Petratos
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
