Indian Super League, Round 12

After a run of impressive results, Hyderabad FC host Odisha FC at Fatorda in a tricky clash on Tuesday. Ahead of this game, we take a look at the opponents, their form, the key players in this game and more…

Recap

Round 1: Odisha FC 0-1 Hyderabad FC (Aridane 35’)

November 23, GMC Stadium, Bambolim

Hyderabad FC faced Odisha in the first league encounter for both sides earlier this season. The game was decided by an Aridane Santana spot-kick, won by Halicharan Narzary at the end of a smart move by the duo.

Manolo Marquez’s men had a couple of other chances they could score from in that tie. But the clean sheet from Subrata Paul in this game was the first in the history of the club and gave them lot of confidence for the rest of the campaign.

Form

While Hyderabad FC have steadily climbed up the points table and find themselves in the top-4 going into this game, Odisha FC have picked up just six points from their 11 games and are at the bottom of the league table.

However, Stuart Baxter’s side have taken 5 of those points from their last five games, registering their first league victory, over Kerala Blasters, in that time. They have also lost more games than any other side but hardly any of these stats matter when the two sides take the field on Tuesday.

Key Men

Diego Mauricio (OFC)

The Brazilian attacker, Diego Mauricio adds a world of experience to this Odisha side. He now has six goals to his name and is in fine form, in front of goal. Surely, he will be the danger man for the HFC backline on Tuesday.

Cole Alexander (OFC)

The energetic midfielder from South Africa has been influential in the recent results for Odisha, having registered a goal and an assist for his side. He also boasts of 57 successful tackles – 4th best in the league and has the ability to run the game from the midfield, against Hyderabad.

Jacob Tratt (OFC)

The versatile Australian has been a mainstay at the back for Odisha and has been solid against some of the finest strikers in the league. It could be a real task for the HFC frontline to get past him in this game.

Joel Chianese (HFC)

Chianese has picked up form after coming back from an unfortunate injury early in the season. His game awareness allows our attack not only to remain fluid, but the energy he adds to our frontline has been crucial in creating chances in recent games. He will be a crucial player for us against Odisha.

Hitesh Sharma (HFC)

Receive. Scan for the right pass. Deliver!

This is what Hitesh Sharma has been about in the middle of the park for HFC so far this season. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and recycle possession has been key to our approach to most games and this game against Odisha could be no different.

Asish Rai (HFC)

Much has been said about Ashish Rai’s attacking flair but against Mumbai City FC he showed exactly why the defender has been in Manolo Marquez’s plan since the start of the season. But he will be up against a tricky and in-form Diego Mauricio on Tuesday and this battle on our right could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the game.