ISL 2024-25: Hyderabad FC Aims to End 5-Match Losing Streak Against Formidable East Bengal

Hyderabad, Dec 27 (NationPress) Hyderabad FC is set to take on East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 28, Saturday, at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium. This encounter marks the ninth ISL clash between the two teams, with East Bengal looking to extend their recent success over Hyderabad.

East Bengal FC has triumphed in their last two ISL contests against Hyderabad FC, managing a league double in the 2023-24 season. In contrast, Hyderabad FC seeks to recover from a troubling spell that has witnessed them suffer five consecutive defeats in the league.

The Red & Gold Brigade has showcased an impressive turnaround in their last five matches, securing victories in four of those fixtures. Currently, they sit at 11th place on the table with 13 points from 12 matches, while Hyderabad FC finds themselves in 12th place, having garnered only seven points from the same number of games as East Bengal FC.

In their recent five outings, the visitors have reignited their attacking prowess, scoring a total of nine goals, and their confrontation with the Hyderabad FC defense will be crucial in determining the match's outcome.

Hyderabad FC has conceded 25 goals over 12 matches this season, which is their second-highest total at this stage of a campaign, trailing only the 29 goals allowed in 2019-20. They have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches, including high-scoring defeats such as a 6-0 loss to Odisha FC and a 5-2 setback against NorthEast United FC.

Despite these defensive shortcomings, Alex Saji has emerged as a reliable player, averaging 5.8 clearances per game, the highest among Indian players this season. He will need to lead the defense to thwart the East Bengal FC forwards.

East Bengal FC is currently riding a two-match winning streak, featuring a 4-2 victory over Punjab FC and a 1-0 triumph against Jamshedpur FC. They have never achieved three consecutive wins in ISL history and will aim to establish a new record, which could aid in their ascent up the league standings.

The Red & Gold Brigade kept a clean sheet in their last away match (2-0 against Chennaiyin FC) and will strive for back-to-back clean sheets on the road for the first time in ISL history. They have recorded three clean sheets in their last five matches, which has been pivotal to their improved form.

Hyderabad FC's interim head coach Shameel Chembakath emphasized the team's determination to secure a long-awaited positive outcome in this match.

"I understand that morale isn't where we want it to be, but the players are displaying commitment in training and are giving their all. This is a home match, and we need to secure three points while focusing on achieving a positive result," Chembakath stated.

East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon highlighted the significance of winning this match to maintain their upward trajectory in the league.

"We have been having extensive discussions about our approach in the upcoming games. This match is vital as we need to solidify our standing in the points table," Bruzon remarked.