Hero ISL 2022-2023: What to look forward in matchweek 8
With matchweek eight around the corner, here is a look at the key narratives to keep an eye on:
Matchweek 7 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) brought fans to their feet as we saw some big results. It was a goalfest for some teams while some teams grinded out their one-nil victories. A total of 18 goals were scored while three clean sheets were kept.
Mumbai City FC showed their attacking prowess and put Bengaluru FC to the sword with a 4-0 convincing victory, Des Buckingham’s men sit in the second spot in the table just a point behind the table leaders. Odisha FC traveled to Kolkata to take on East Bengal FC which turned out to be a nail-biting affair. East Bengal FC started the match with intensity and maintained a two-goal lead going into half-time but Josep Gombau’s men had some other plans as the team scored four goals in the second half to put on a commanding statement and complete a fabulous comeback.
In the doubleheader, Chennaiyin FC claimed a 3-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters FC halted Hyderabad FC’s winning run and won by a solitary goal. In the last fixture of matchweek 7, FC Goa eased past ATK Mohun Bagan as they scored three goals without reply.
Odisha FC kickoff matchweek 8 against Chennaiyin FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar followed by NorthEast United welcoming Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. FC Goa host Bengaluru FC.
ATK Mohun Bagan welcomes the league leaders, Hyderabad FC in the penultimate game of matchweek 8 and all the eyes would be on the last fixture of matchweek 8 as Jamshedpur FC welcomes East Bengal FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
With matchweek seven around the corner, here is a look at the key narratives to keep an eye on:
Odisha FC's home record against Chennaiyin FC's away record
The opening game of the matchweek 8 would take us to the city of Bhubaneswar as Josep Gombau’s men prepare themselves for the challenge of Chennaiyin FC. Both teams would be looking to keep their momentum going as they registered victories in their respective games. The Juggernauts are returning to their home fans after an impeccable comeback against East Bengal FC which saw their team come back from a two-goal deficit.
On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC won against Jamshedpur FC. Thomas Brdaric would be urging his team to take this challenge as the previous one, come out all guns blazing, and take the three points home.
This match pits the Odisha FC's perfect home record this season against Chennaiyin FC's 100% away record. Something's got to give.
Mumbai City FC aim to break NorthEast United FC jinx
The Highlanders welcome Des Buckingham’s men at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in search of their first victory of the season. Marco Balbul boosted his side’s attacking options as the club signed the Colombian striker, Wilmar Jordan. NorthEast United FC is returning after a two-week break and would be looking to rejuvenate the team’s morale with a positive performance against the Islanders.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC would be looking to continue their unbeaten run and get the three points as they are shy of the number one position of the Hero ISL table by only one point. Des Buckingham’s men are yet to lose in the league and gave a statement of intent as they put four goals past Bengaluru FC in their last fixture.
However, the Islanders are winless in their last four games against the Highlanders who have lost just one of the last seven matches against Mumbai-based side. Can Mumbai break the jinx this time?
Can Gaurs bag another victory?
FC Goa welcomes Bengaluru FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the Guars gear up to get back-to-back victories. Carlos Pena’s men were outstanding as they eased put ATK Mohun Bagan in their last fixture and FC Goa maintains a healthy record of no loss in the last six encounters against Bengaluru FC.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC would be looking to get a positive result out of the game as the team is on a four-match losing streak. Simon Grayson voiced his concerns and rallied his team to break out of this dark spell. The team languishes in the 10th spot on the Hero ISL table.
ATK Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC looking to return to winning ways
ATK Mohun Bagan welcome Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharti Krirangan as they look to return to winning ways after a defeat against FC Goa in their last fixture. Juan Ferrando would be urging his men to recall their unbeaten streak and hand Hyderabad FC their second defeat of the season.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC would be looking to put things right and get the ball back in their court after a surprising defeat against Kerala Blasters FC which put an end to their six-match unbeaten run.
Jamshedpur FC eye a home win against East Bengal FC
The concluding fixture of matchweek 8 would take us to the city of Jamshedpur as Jamshedpur FC welcome East Bengal FC at the JRD Tata Sports complex. Aidy Boothroyd’s team is on a losing run of three games and the Englishman would be urging his players to use this opportunity to the max and hop past East Bengal FC in the Hero ISL table.
Meanwhile, Stephen Constantine’s men would be looking set things right after the last match’s breakdown that saw then surrender a 2-0 lead against Odisha FC to lose 2-3.
Both teams will see this as an opportunity to return to winning ways and begin their ascend towards the top end of the table.