The Indian Super League 2024-25 sets the stage for a crucial encounter, as Hyderabad FC looks to regain form against the Highlanders. With both teams aiming to secure valuable points, this matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.
Match Details
- Date: December 23, 2024 (Monday)
- Venue: G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad
- Kick-Off: 7:30 pm IST
As the competition heats up, Hyderabad will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while NorthEast United will strive to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Current Standings
- NorthEast United FC: 8th place (15 points, 11 matches)
- Hyderabad FC: 12th place (7 points, 11 matches)
Although Hyderabad FC has struggled this season, they remain optimistic about turning their fortunes around. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC, despite recent defeats, will look to maintain their position in the top half of the table.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 10
- Hyderabad FC Wins: 6
- Draws: 3
- NorthEast United FC Wins: 1
Interestingly, Hyderabad FC holds an unbeaten record of nine matches against the Highlanders, which could give them a psychological edge heading into this clash.
Hyderabad FC: Searching for Balance
Hyderabad FC has shown glimpses of resilience, but they need to address key areas of concern to improve their performance.
- Defensive Record: Notably, the team has managed two clean sheets this season, a tally they will aim to build upon. However, their inconsistent defense remains a challenge.
- Offensive Challenges: Furthermore, Hyderabad FC has struggled offensively, scoring only seven goals—the second-lowest in the league.
- Late-Game Issues: More significantly, they have scored just once in the final 30 minutes of their matches, a statistic they must improve to close games effectively.
Key Player to Watch:
- Ramhlunchhunga: Despite attempting 21 shots, he is yet to score. Therefore, this could be the match where he finally breaks his drought.
NorthEast United FC: Banking on Attacking Flair
In contrast, NorthEast United FC has been more aggressive, using their attacking flair to trouble opponents throughout the season.
- Direct Play Prowess: For instance, the Highlanders lead the league in direct attacks (30), three of which have resulted in goals.
- Star Performer: Additionally, Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been a standout player with 15 goal contributions, showcasing his immense impact on the team’s success.
- Defensive Concerns: On the other hand, their tendency to drop points from winning positions (12 points lost) highlights a need for defensive improvement.
Key Player to Watch:
- Guillermo Fernandez: His aerial duels average, among the league’s highest, could be a decisive factor in neutralizing Hyderabad’s attacking threats.
What the Coaches Say
Shameel Chembakath (Hyderabad FC):
“We’ve had a great response from the players in training. Moreover, their attitude and mindset are positive, which boosts our confidence for the match.”
Juan Pedro Benali (NorthEast United FC):
“This is a pivotal game for us. Furthermore, Hyderabad FC is a challenging side, and we’ll need to stay sharp to achieve a positive result.”
Fantasy Picks
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie (₹8.3cr): A must-have for fantasy teams, given his consistent performances and high points tally (88).
- Andrei Alba (₹5.0cr): A budget-friendly choice who has scored the highest fantasy points (48) for Hyderabad FC this season.
Where to Watch: Indian Super League
- Streaming: JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam)
- Telecast: Sports 18-3, Asianet Plus, and other Sports 18 channels
As both teams prepare for this critical clash, fans can expect an evening filled with intense action and high stakes. Ultimately, this match could shape the trajectory of their campaigns in the Indian Super League 2024-25. Watch the preview video here.
