ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United FC Aims for Top-6 Stability Against Formidable Hyderabad FC
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Synopsis
On January 28, NorthEast United FC will face Hyderabad FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in the ISL 2024-25, with the aim of securing their place in the top six of the points table. This match promises high stakes for both teams as they strive for victory.
Key Takeaways
- NorthEast United FC seeks to secure a top-six position.
- Hyderabad FC looks to build on a recent victory.
- Both teams have historical rivalry in the ISL.
- Coaches emphasize the importance of this match.
- The game will be crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Guwahati, Jan 28 (NationPress) NorthEast United FC is set to welcome Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium this Wednesday, aiming to secure their spot within the top six of the points table.
NorthEast United FC currently ranks sixth with 25 points from 17 matches, having achieved six victories and seven draws. In contrast, Hyderabad FC finds itself near the bottom with just 13 points from 17 matches, which includes three wins and four draws. The Highlanders are facing tough competition from Odisha FC (24), Kerala Blasters FC (21), and Punjab FC (20), who are trailing closely behind.
The Highlanders are eager to achieve consecutive wins against Hyderabad FC for the first time in ISL history, having previously defeated them 5-2 in their earlier encounter this season. A win in this match would also mark NorthEast United FC’s first league double over Hyderabad FC.
Despite this, the Highlanders have struggled at home, remaining winless in their last four home matches (D3 L1), which includes three consecutive draws. They need to turn this trend around to strengthen their bid for a top-six finish. The last time they experienced a longer winless home streak in a single season was in 2022, when they suffered five consecutive defeats.
Hyderabad FC enters this match following a 3-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC, extending their unbeaten run to three games (W1 D2). The team aims to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since their five-game winning streak during the 2022-23 season. Their recent scoring form, finding the net in each of their last three matches, is encouraging, especially after failing to score in nine of their first 14 games this season.
The Highlanders rank as the fourth-highest-scoring team in the league, with 31 goals in 17 encounters. Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been pivotal, netting 15 goals, with Guillermo Fernandes and Nestor Albiach contributing four goals each.
Conversely, Hyderabad FC is the second-least-scoring team in the league with only 15 goals. Andrei Alba and Allan De Souza Miranda have been their most reliable forwards, each scoring three times – the highest on the team. Additionally, Jithin M.S. and Ajaraie have provided five assists each, crucial for NorthEast United FC's attacking plays.
Historically, the two teams have clashed 11 times in the ISL, with Hyderabad FC winning six matches, while NorthEast United FC has claimed victory in two, and three encounters have ended in draws.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the significance of this match for his team. “It’s a final for us and we need to work hard and get the points. It’s a final for them too, because they’re a good team and they don’t want to be down,” he stated.
In response, Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath noted that his team has gained substantial confidence from their recent win. “The victory was a big positive for us, especially at home. However, the confidence boost that it has given us is even more important,” he remarked.
