ISL 2024-25: Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters FC Seek Final League Success
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Synopsis
In a crucial final league match for ISL 2024-25, Hyderabad FC will face Kerala Blasters FC at GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium. Both teams are out of the top-six contention, aiming to end their seasons on a high note. Hyderabad FC looks to secure a league double, while Kerala Blasters seeks to improve their away form.
Key Takeaways
- Hyderabad FC aims for a league double over Kerala Blasters FC.
- Both teams are out of the playoff race.
- Kerala Blasters FC seeks to end a scoreless streak on the road.
- Hyderabad FC has struggled defensively in recent matches.
- Coaches reflect on the season and injury challenges.
Hyderabad, March 11 (NationPress) Hyderabad FC will welcome Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium.
This will mark the final league match of the current ISL season before the playoffs commence. Both teams have already been eliminated from the top-six contention, which will conclude with the match between Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC tonight.
Having played 23 matches each, Hyderabad FC sits at the second-to-last position in the points table with 17 points, while Kerala Blasters FC is in ninth place with 28 points. Hyderabad FC achieved a 2-1 victory in their previous meeting on November 7, 2024, and they will be keen to secure their first ever league double against Kerala Blasters FC.
In their last two ISL outings, Hyderabad FC has conceded multiple goals, suffering defeats in both matches by a two-goal margin. Their previous extended stretch of such results was a three-match run in April 2024, which included a 1-3 loss to Kerala Blasters.
This season, Hyderabad FC has spent 47.4% of their game time trailing, the highest in the league, which is 16 percentage points more than Kerala Blasters FC at 31.4%. The team will aim to take charge early in their final match of the season.
Kerala Blasters FC failed to score in their last away match, resulting in a 0-2 loss to FC Goa on February 22, 2025. If they remain scoreless again, it would be the first time since February-March 2024 that they go consecutive games without scoring on the road.
After a five-game streak without a clean sheet, Kerala Blasters FC managed a 1-0 win against Mumbai City FC. They will aim to achieve consecutive shutouts for the first time since December 2023.
In their 12 encounters to date, Hyderabad FC has claimed five victories while Kerala Blasters FC has won six, with one match ending in a draw.
Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman shared insights on managing injury challenges. He stated, “Every team faces ups and downs with injuries. I'm not concerned right now; we are solely focused on the last league match.”
Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath candidly reflected on the season, saying, “We've gained a lot of experience throughout the season. There is always room for improvement, and we are concentrating on that.”
