SC East Bengal and Hyderabad FC are slated to square off at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Friday in Match 91 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21. The Kolkata club will take confidence into the fixture having won their last outing and they will need to continue winning if they want to qualify for the semi-finals. Hyderabad also go into the match after a win and are in a much better position than SC East Bengal as they currently occupy the top four spots. Manuel Marquez’s men are unbeaten in the last eight matches, winning three of those and here we have a look at some of the talking points ahead of the clash.

Contrasting form of domestic talents

Friday’s clash will witness the Indian contingents of both teams on display and it will be interesting to see if SC East Bengal’s domestic talents can match Hyderabad’s local players. Hyderabad have had more goal contributions (14) than any other team in the league by Indian players with the likes of Halicharan Narzary, Liston Colaco, Mohammed Yasir, Asish Rai and Akash Mishra all shining for them this season. SC East Bengal’s domestic players are yet to find the back of the net this season, which could hinder their chances of a favourable result against a Hyderabad team capable of hurting them from several avenues.

Bright Enobakhare needs to rediscover initial form

When Bright made his debut for SC East Bengal last month, he hit the ground running and took the league by storm. He scored two goals in his first two games for the club, including a brilliant solo effort that’s a certain contender for goal of the season. His first four matches saw him accumulate two goals and an assist, but his form has slightly tailed off since then, which is reflected in the fact that he’s failed to register any goal contributions in SC East Bengal’s last five matches. That said, he still looks threatening whenever on the ball and his club will be hoping that he can return to his best soon as they eye a late push for the top four.

The game could be decided in the second half

Friday’s clash between the teams may be decided in the second half if the previous matches of the two sides are anything to go by. Hyderabad tend to score most of their goals in the second period having netted for 15 out of their 20 goals so far after the restart. Only ATK Mohun Bagan (81.82%) have scored more second half goals than Hyderabad (75%). SC East Bengal, on the other hand, have conceded most of their goals in the second half. They have let in 14 out of 21 goals in the second period, making the contrasting performances of the teams after the restart an interesting sub-plot to look forward to.