Hyderabad FC are willing to maintain their unbeaten streak against winless SC East Bengal in match seven. HFC also demands the three points to close the gap on Mumbai City to just one point after the Highlanders lost a game and place them second ahead of Jamshedpur FC.
HFC vs SCEB Match Details :
When: Wednesday, December 22
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: GMC Athletic Stadium
HFC vs SCEB Match Preview :
The 1-1 draw against FC Goa was an unexpected result from Manolo Marquez's men considering the contrasting fortunes of both the clubs this season. That being said, Goa have found themselves recently after a disastrous start and the quality the team have provided the right kind of scoreline. Joel Chianese opened the scoring only for the lead evaporate eight minutes later after Airam Cabrera slotted from Goa. Marquez, however, blame the intense schedule of playing games with just a few days gap limiting the time for recovery. But they managed to keep their unbeaten run going. The Nizams are adamant to secure the playoff position this time out after narrowly missing out in the previous campaign or go one better and challenge for the league shield with MCFC trying to defend it. HFC will achieve more and more if they manage to prevail in their glory run.
SC East Bengal are suffering from last season's dilemma again but with a much poorer return this time out. Still gasping for a first win in the campaign, scoring and conceding the worst amount of goals and sitting rock bottom with only three points under their name in seven games. They hit another dead end in their 2-0 loss to NorthEast United who are managed by their ex boss, Khalid Jamil. Reports about conflict in the dressing room has emerged and a shadow is cast over Jose Manuel Diaz's future. Frustration is clearly seen in the Red and Gold camp after Perosevic was given his marching orders after he engaged in a spat with the officials. Devoid of the creator upfront, Diaz have to rely upon an out of form Daniel Chima and veteran Balwant Singh to turn their fortunes. Their task doesn't get easier as one of the most balanced side among ISL clubs take their next test.
Recent Form :
HFC: DWWDW
SCEB: LDLDL
HFC vs SCEB Team News :
Hyderabad FC will be without their star right-back, Asish Rai due to an injury picked up in the last game. He was replaced by Aaren D'Silva after 82nd minute against Goa but the extent of it is not known. Yasir and Holicharan Narzary remain sidelined and will not be available for the match.
Apart from Darren Sideol, Jakichand Singh and Ankit Mukherjee injury issues, SC East Bengal have no other concerns but will miss the service of their star man, Antonio Perosevic. The Croatian received a direct red card in their defeat to NorthEast United and will serve his suspension.
HFC vs SCEB Expected Lineups :
Hyderabad FC: Laxmikant Kattimani; Aaren D’Silva, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharma, Nikhil Poojary, Joel Chianese, Rohit Danu, Bartholomew Ogbeche.
SC East Bengal: Arindam Bhattacharya; Raju Gaikwad, Tomislav Mrcela, Franjo Prce, Hira Mondal, Adil Khan, Mohd. Rafique, Amir Dervisevic, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Balwant Singh, Daniel Chima.
HFC vs SCEB Head to Head :
The only two meetings between the clubs in ISL history happened last season, the first game was filled with goals as HFC triumphed 3-2 in a fascinating game with Aridane netting a brace while Narzary got the third goal which proved to be the eventual winner. Jacques Maghoma scored twice for SC East Bengal. Aridane was influential yet again, now equalising at the very end of a 1-1 draw for HFC in the second encounter to cancel out Bright Enobakhare's opener for SC East Bengal on the hour mark.
HFC vs SCEB Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Kattimani (HFC)
DEF: Juanan (HFC), Sana (HFC), Prce (SCEB), A. Mishra (HFC)
MID: Joao Victor (HFC), Rafique (SCEB), Dervisevic (SCEB)
FW: Chianese (HFC), Ogbeche (HFC), Daniel Chima (SCEB)
