Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Experts predict the outcome of semi-final first leg
Hero ISL experts Paul Masefield, Phil Brown and Erik Paartalu are back doing what they do best which is to predict the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.
Hyderabad FC take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the second semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season in a repeat of last season’s last four clash.
Manolo Marquez’s men prevailed 3-2 on aggregate over Juan Ferrando’s team on their way to winning the title, and the Mariners will be eyeing revenge for that loss.
ATK Mohun Bagan are used to this stage, having reached the semi-finals for a third year running. As for Hyderabad FC, they will look to repeat last season’s heroics.
With both teams boasting plenty of stars, it will be an intriguing contest as the two sides battle it out for a place in the final yet again.
Hero ISL experts Paul Masefield, Phil Brown and Erik Paartalu are back doing what they do best which is to predict the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.
Paul Masefield's prediction
Hyderabad FC 1-1 ATK Mohun Bagan
The two best defensive outfits in the Hero ISL are going head-to-head against each other. ATK Mohun Bagan were wonderful against Odisha FC. It was a very professional performance. Slavko Damjanovic slotted in there like he has been there forever. However, Hamill will be back into the team. Puitea and Carl McHugh were magnificent in the middle of the park for the Mariners, and Hugo Boumous is starting to be the Boumous we know. Petratos is scoring goals again and will be a big threat to Hyderabad FC
In their last game, Hyderabad FC tinkered with their line-up, but the big question will be whether or not Bartholomew Ogbeche plays. We know how Hyderabad FC play. They like to get it down, get it wide and get balls into the box. Joel Chianese was the standout player in the last match. I expect Chinglensana Singh to come back in and partner Odei Onaindia at the back, which will add more solidity at the back. So, it's very difficult to call.
When Juan Ferrando plays away from home, he likes to set up slightly differently. They keep it tight and compact and don't want to concede goals. But at the same time, they like to carry a threat going forward.
ATK Mohun Bagan would like to go there and not concede goals. The difference could be one man: Ogbeche. If he starts, he could cause all sorts of problems, but I think ATK Mohun Bagan can score on the counter-attack as well.
I think this first leg will be a tight, cagey and very physical affair.
Phil Brown's prediction
Hyderabad FC 1-0 ATK Mohun Bagan
I think it will be a tight affair. Hyderabad FC at home are convincing in terms of their number of wins. The majority of them are 1-0 victories, and I feel this will be the same. It will be a tight game, with Hyderabad FC winning 1-0 thanks to the home advantage.
ATK Mohun Bagan will be happy with just a one-goal deficit because they can go back to Kolkata and have a huge advantage when their supporters turn out. They may be able to swing the tie if the game is tight in the first leg, you never know.
Erik Paartalu’s prediction
Hyderabad FC 1-0 ATK Mohun Bagan
A team that doesn't concede many goals against the side that doesn't score many goals. You can expect defending to be at its highest level in this encounter. The back fours from both sides should be watched closely, they will not give up many opportunities to enter their own boxes nor allow shots to be taken at goal.
ATK Mohun Bagan are not great travellers, and Hyderabad are good at home. I think we will see Hyderabad FC possibly sneak a goal late on in this one.