ISL Match Preview: Hyderabad FC look to continue their unbeaten run as they face star-studded ATK Mohun Bagan

Hyderabad FC will be up against ATK Mohun Bagan in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Tuesday.

Hyderabad FC thrashed NorthEast United FC 5-0 in their previous match and consolidated their position at the pole position. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan registered their first-ever point against Mumbai City FC, as the teams played out a 1-1 draw.

Form Guide 

Hyderabad FC – LDWWW

Hyderabad FC have won three, lost one, and drawn the other in their last five matches in the Hero ISL, having collected all nine points on offer in the previous three encounters. The Manuel Marquez coached side not only lead the points table with 26 points from 14 matches but also have a huge goal difference of +20.

ATK Mohun Bagan – WDDWD

The Mariners are unbeaten in their last five matches, having won two and shared the spoils on the remaining three occasions. They are at the fifth position on the points table, with 20 points and are currently enjoying a seven-match unbeaten streak.

Head To Head

In the three matches played between these two teams, the result has been a draw each time. In the last head-to-head match earlier this season, the result was 2-2.

Team News

There are no injury concerns in the Hyderabad FC squad. Meanwhile, a lot of ATK Mohun Bagan players are not 100% match fit according to head coach Juan Ferrando.

Key Players

Hyderabad FC

Bartholomew Ogbeche: This is an absolute automatic pick going by the way he has set the Hero ISL on fire. With 14 goals in 13 matches, he is the top scorer in the ongoing competition and is leading the charts by a considerable margin. The Nigerian has taken 48 shots so far in the tournament, the highest by any player. He opened the scoring for his side against ATK Mohun Bagan in their last head-to-head match, earlier this season, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Nikhil Poojary: It was after a gap of two seasons that Nikhil Poojary finally found the back of the net in Hyderabad FC’s match against NorthEast United FC. The footballer has been a major force on the wings and provided the much-needed support in the final third, which is justified by the couple of chances he created in the previous game. Marquez has always kept faith in the footballer and he has never been disappointed.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Hugo Boumous: Even though Hugo Boumous is yet to unleash his full potential in the green and maroon jersey, even then he’s managed to create quite a stir for his club. In 11 matches, Boumous already has nine-goal contributions, which includes five goals and four assists, along with 15 shots and 29 crosses. The overseas player has made 466 passes, at a rate of 42.36 per game, maintaining accuracy of 70.17%. Hyderabad FC should not take him lightly in the upcoming game.

Manvir Singh: The Indian forward has played in each and every match for the Mariners this season, having scored once and assisted another. Despite Liston Colaco stealing the limelight from the other side of the wing, Manvir has managed to keep his relevance in the starting XI. Even in the last match against Mumbai City FC, the Indian created two chances and took three shots out of which one was on target.

Key Stats

Hyderabad is on the brink of history: A win against ATK Mohun Bagan will see Hyderabad FC match their best ever points tally in the league stages of a Hero ISL season. They collected 29 points in 20 matches in the previous season and narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth. The win will also bring them closer to achieving their first top-four finish.

Milestone Alert: Bartholomew Ogbeche, who is currently the all-time leading goalscorer in the ISL, will reach the 50-goal mark if he strikes against ATK Mohun Bagan. In fact, he even scored in the last head-to-head match between these two teams, earlier this season.

Bright start expected: ATK Mohun Bagan have scored six goals in the opening 15 minutes of a game, which is the highest by any team. On the other hand, Hyderabad FC have struck five goals in the opening quarter, which is the joint second by any team in the Hero ISL 2021-22.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan

Date: February 8, 2021

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.