Indian Super League, Round 11

After back-to-back victories in the Indian Super League, Hyderabad FC are up against Mumbai City FC on Saturday. Ahead of this game, we take a look at our opponent’s current form, key players and more…

Recap

Round 6: Hyderabad FC 0-2 Mumbai City FC (Vignesh 38′, Le Fondre 59′)
December 20, Tilak Maidan, Vasco 

Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City were the first team to beat Hyderabad FC in the league this season when the two sides met in Vasco a few weeks ago. Goals from Vignesh Dakshinamurthy and Adam le Fondre on either side of the break gave the visitors on that day, all three points as HFC failed to score a goal for just the second time in the season.

Manolo Marquez’s side did have a couple of chances that they failed to convert in that game. Ever since, HFC have worked on improving their finishing, and have scored eight goals in their last two games, ahead of this clash.

Form

Both teams find themselves in the top-four in the league table going into this game. Hyderabad FC are fourth, with 15 points in their 10 games while Mumbai City opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table after their victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in the last game, their closest competitors.

Lobera’s side come into this game with three consecutive victories, scoring seven goals and conceding just the one. In this time, Hyderabad lost to FC Goa but came back with superb performances against Chennaiyin and NorthEast United, winning both games and scoring four goals in each.

These are two of the highest-scoring teams in the competition at the moment and have not lost a game since the turn of the year. So the confidence will be high in both camps, going into the clash at Bambolim.

Key Players

Bartholomew Ogbeche (MCFC)

Ogbeche scored a stunning winner against ATK Mohun Bagan when Mumbai City extended their unbeaten run to nine games. He is another player like many in their squad, whose positive attitude and work-rate helps Mumbai carve out crucial results.

Hugo Boumous (MCFC)

The French attacker has been effective for Mumbai City, racking up five assists and one goal in their campaign so far. Another one to join from FC Goa has a robust build and an eye for defence-opening passes and could be a real threat for HFC in this game.

Ahmed Jahouh (MCFC)

A source of most of the progressive play for Mumbai City, Jahouh has been a massive presence this season. His defensive work rate, combined with his ability to keep the ball rolling and frustrate opponents has made him a crucial player for Lobera’s system. Stopping him will be crucial for Hyderabad to assert their dominance in this game. Having served his one-match suspension against Bagan, he will return to the side on Saturday.

Aridane Santana (HFC)

The Spaniard has enjoyed a productive start to life in Hyderabad colours scoring six in nine matches. Although Aridane is a smart finisher inside the box, he is happy to drop deep and link-up play. He will need to be at his best to disrupt the momentum Mumbai City build-up from the back, while also making sure to finish off our chances.

Odei Onaindia (HFC)

The centre-back has been one of the most consistent players for Hyderabad, so far this season. His calm and no-nonsense approach to defending coupled with pin-point passing has helped us build from the back and keep the opposition at bay.

Joao Victor (HFC)

Battling it out in the midfield, as usual, will be Joao Victor. The Brazilian anchor-man is another foreigner who has added some mettle to our midfield. His forward vision also instantly pegs the opposition back. He needs to be at his best in the middle of the park for Manolo Marquez’s system to work, in this game as he goes head-on against Jahouh in the middle of the park.