Two sides with strong starts to their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 campaigns will face off in Match 34 on Sunday. While Hyderabad FC are unbeaten right from the start of their campaign, Mumbai City are unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and a draw after a defeat in their opening game. Both teams are heavily blessed in the attacking department and the match promises to be a cracker. Let’s take a look at some of the talking points ahead of the game that could influence the outcome in a big way.

Hyderabad’s defence need to be at their best

Hyderabad started their Hero ISL 2020-21 campaign with a solid defensive show and kept two clean sheets in the first two matches allowing just three shots on target. However, in their last three games, Hyderabad have faced 26 shots, 11 of which have been on target. They also conceded two goals against SC East Bengal in their last match, which was a first for them this season. Mumbai City are one of the top goal-scorers this season (9) and the Hyderabad defence need to close down the spaces more effectively on Sunday. 

Hugo Boumous’s return could be decisive  

The creative playmaker missed out on Mumbai City FC’s previous game against Jamshedpur FC and his absence was clearly felt as the Islanders were held to a 1-1 draw. Hugo Boumous has created the most chances by a player this season (19) and also has four assists to his name. The midfielder scored twice and bagged one assist against Hyderabad in Hero ISL 2019-20 and will look to add to that tally on Sunday. Boumous’ presence will be key for the Islanders, no two ways about that. 

All eyes on Liston Colaco again

After his move to Hyderabad FC last season, Liston Colaco has been one of the standout players for the team. The youngster is an ever-present in the first team and has already clocked more minutes (259) than he did in the whole of Hero ISL 2019-20 (236). Colaco has created a chance or more in all but one match this season, totalling 10 chances so far for Hyderabad; only Mohamed Yasir has created more (12). He bagged two assists in Hyderabad’s last match against SC East Bengal. His only drawback so far has been his conversion rate; he has taken 13 shots so far and none of them have been on target. He would sure like to change that on Sunday.