Indian Football League

Match 59: CHE vs. HYD

Preview

A high-voltage clash is on the cards tonight as Chennai is all set to face Hyderabad tonight. Both the teams will look forward to solidify their position in th top four as the Machans have 14 points from 10 games and with a win, they can move up to 3rd in the table, with Nawabs with a win can move up to 2nd in the table. It is going to be a exciting clash as two of these South Indian teams face each other at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium tonight.

Even after a great start, Hyderabad lost to Kerala in their last match. Despite dominating with the possession, they couldn't breach Kerala's defence and they lost the match with a goal to nil. To change the outcome in this match, Bartholomew Ogbeche needs to step up and do his job. The Nigerian has been sensation for the men in yellow and he plays a huge role for their success. Midfielder Joao Vivtor has been splendid as well. Even though he is not a player who scores or assists a lot of goals but he is the one who controls the game and makes the midfield move for the Hyderabadi team. Akash Mishra has been fantastic in the defence. He is also a big threat for Chennai as the boy moves up in the field and can create chaos up front. Overall, Hyderabad looks like a fine wine and they will be gunning for the victory. Specially after a defeat in the last match.

When asked about their defeat in the hands of Kerala in the last match, Coach Manuel Marquez said, “I don't know any team in my life that doesn't lose one game. In football, you either win, draw or lose. There are some moments in the league when you can be a lot of games unbeaten like our team. And then there is a moment in a season when you are not okay and maybe you don't get to win some games. But I think that day against Kerala was not one of our worst games. We missed some clear chances and they have some very good offensive players and a strong defensive side too. In my opinion, I don't think (it will break momentum) and we will continue in a good way. Let's see. We face a tough opponent again”.

Speaking about their encounter against Chennai, the coach said, “They have a new coach and a lot of new players. In the beginning, especially in our game they didn't deserve to win. But results give you confidence. They started the season very well after that they lost some games. After that, it's been up and down but there are seven teams separated by three points. If we win, we will be top of the table but if we lose, Chennai will go above us.

They are a strong team with a very good coach and are well organised. Of course, it will be another difficult game because they don't create many chances but concede very few. They have conceded just 12 goals and seven of those are in two games. It means that they have conceded just five goals in eight games. They are a team that prepares to play in a counter-attacking style rather than manage the possession. They have another style but are a very good team”.

Chennai needs to improve if they want all three points against Hyderabad. They started the league well enough but failed to capitalise. They just won one of their kast four games and they definitely have to change that if they want to qualify for the latter stage of the tournament. Nerijus Valskis has returned home and he will be motivated enough to do well for the team. During his time with Jamshedpur in the first leg of the tournament, he has done relatively well and he needs to be better than that to help Chennai reach the semis. However, it was their defense who needs to take the blame for their recent failures. Thus, the 30-year-old Reagan Singh will be crucial for the Chennai team.

When asked about the Hyderabad team, Coach Bozidar Bandovic said in the pre match press conference, “This is one of the best organised teams and has the same coach from before. They are a dangerous team who have built themselves nicely. The way they have played shows that it will not be easy against them”.

When asked whether they will play enterprising Football towards the business end of the tournament, the coach said, “ In most of the games, we did that except the last one. Under pressure, you sometimes need to play the long ball. Yes, we need to be better at this. We will try to repeat the positive. If somebody is not available, we will continue to improve at attacking. We lost so many duels and second balls, we need to be more aggressive”.

CHE vs. HYD Predicted Line Ups

CHE - Debjit Majumder, Slavko Damjanovic, Narayan Das, Reagan Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Edwin Vanspaul, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Nerujis Valskis, Mirlan Murzaev.

HYD - Laxmikant Kattimani, Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharma, Nikhil Poojary, Edu Garcia, Aniket Jadhav, Javier Siverio.

Match Prediction -

Chennai will be going all out for the win but Kerala might just get the result tonight. It's definitely going to be Bartholomew Ogbeche vs Nerijus Valskis. The better player will take home all three points tonight.

Suggested Playing XI for the Match