Goa: Missing out on the playoff spot for just two points in their second-ever season Hyderabad FC holds on to a lot of expectations to make it to the top four at least this time. They would begin their campaign with an encounter against Chennaiyin FC who other hand is ready to make it to the winner’s side at any cost.
“We will try to use our strengths and take advantage of Hyderabad’s weaknesses. For me, the most important thing is to win the game. There are different tactical solutions we can use to eke out a win. And what I’m trying to do is pick the best strategy to win the games because you know we are playing for the results. Sometimes, when you have a bad game and win, that (shows) the character in the team. So for me, the most important thing is to win the games,” said Bozidar Bandovic, the recently appointed Chennaiyin FC coach.
Hyderabad had a really good run last season and in the hope to attain a higher finish has bolstered the squad with players like Bartholomew Obgeche, ATK Mohun Bagan’s Edu Garcia, and former Bengaluru FC player Juanan. However, the most striking feature of the Hyderabad FC squad is the youngsters like Rohit Danu, Aniket Jadhav, and Ash Mishra who are regular Nation team starters for the U23-sect and possess immense talents. In all the strength of the team lies in its attack and the squad depth they possess. Although the main problem lies in goalkeeping. Their main man under the sticks, Laxmikant Kattimani is often error-prone in critical conditions. The absence of a quality shot-stopper might provide to be costly for Hyderabad.
As for Chennaiyin FC, having found a new progressive coach and as well as a new skipper in Anirudh Thapa, the Marina Machans are more confident this season. The strength of the team lies in their midfield with players like Thapa, Vladimir Koman, and Crivallero, although the latter won’t be available for the maiden clash owning to injury. They have bolstered their attack as well, adding Jobby Justin, Lukasz Gikiewicz, and Mirlan Murzaev. While Gikiewicz is absolutely amazing with his aerial abilities, Murzaev is a lethal striker scoring seven goals, making seven assists for his earlier outfit in only 17 appearances. However, the point of worry for the team lies in the defense. Bring in only one overseas player, Slavko Damjanovic their defense worries stay against an attacking team like Hyderabad FC. Although Narayan Das and Raegan Singh are prone to errors and cannot be trusted.
We say 2-0 for Hyderabad FC.
The encounter will be telecasted live on Star Sports 3 while online streaming will available on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV from 7.30 pm IST.
