Hyderabad FC look to get back to winning ways against unsettled Chennaiyin FC

Defending champions Hyderabad FC will be desperate to dodge a third successive defeat as they face Chennaiyin FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Hyderabad FC’s unbeaten streak ended with two back-to-back defeats against Kerala Blasters FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. Meanwhile, the Marina Machans suffered a late heartbreak in Bhubaneswar last week against Odisha FC.

The hosts have won two and lost three of their last five games, in an alternating pattern. Chennaiyin FC’s form at home this season which is concerning for them, as they have only won one home game out of four so far.

Abdenasser El Khayati came off the bench to score again in the last game. His double took his season’s tally to four goals in as many games. It will be interesting to see how long Brdaric uses the Dutchman as a super-sub before sacrificing one of his foreign players to include the midfielder in the starting XI. 

Hyderabad FC spent 40 days at the top of the Hero ISL before they lost their unbeaten streak and suffered back-to-back defeats. Not only did they lose, but they also failed to score in both games. In their short history, the defending champions have never failed to score in three consecutive Hero ISL games – a record that is at stake in the next game.

Rejuvenated Bengaluru FC face stern ATK Mohun Bagan test at home

After ending their five-match winless streak, a relieved Bengaluru FC side will set the stage for ATK Mohun Bagan’s first Hero Indian Super League (ISL) visit to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The Blues had a clinic outing against FC Goa in their last match while the Mariners pipped defending champions Hyderabad FC.

After securing only their second win in seven games, Bengaluru FC will be hoping to break into the top six as quickly as possible, currently being five points behind. This is only Bengaluru FC’s third game at home this season.

In their last home game, East Bengal FC took a clean sheet and all three points from the Blues. Head coach Simon Grayson will be hoping his side replicates the performance that was put in against the Gaurs in the last game. A Javi Hernandez brace did the trick last time around, and the Spaniard is expected to start in midfield against the Mariners. Roy Krishna and Udanta Singh bagged one assist each.

ATK Mohun Bagan will play their first Hero ISL game at a stadium where their opponents have lost just five out of 33 games. However, the Mariners come into this game with their own historical advantage of being the only side to have not lost to the Blues in the Hero ISL.