Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters FC will play for their first-ever Hero Indian Super League title. The two exceptional and star-studded teams go up against each other in the 2021-22 season final in front of the spectators at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Sunday evening.

A historic final where Hyderabad FC’s attacking firepower meets Kerala Blasters FC’s calm-headed defence. A final which has been a marathon for both sides this season, but only one can cross the finish line. While the comparatively experienced Blasters side have been on the other side of winning the trophy twice, Hyderabad FC go into their first final built on the foundations of veteran Manuel Marquez.

The Hero ISL experts have been charged with predicting the outcome of this enormous, historic, and riveting final. Here are their predictions:

Erik Partaalu’s prediction

Hyderabad FC 1-1 Kerala Blasters FC
Extra time: Hyderabad FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC

Game will be quite even, both sides are stretched with injuries to one or two starting players, so it could take a while for those new players getting a chance to get used to the pace of the game. It will be a largely Kerala Blasters dominated crowd there tonight, but I can see the big game experience of some of those Hyderabad FC players having the know how to see the game out and to do the right things at the right times.

Paul Masefield’s predictions

Extra time: Hyderabad FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC

It’s going to be a really tense final that’s going to go all the way. We will definitely get a winner, but only in extra-time. Four points separated these two sides during the league phase of the season, it could’ve been different if Hyderabad FC played against Jamshedpur FC when they were hit with the issues and problems they’ve had.

From finishing above them in the league to the balance and the spine of the team along with the experience that they’ve got, I lean more towards Hyderabad FC. I think it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere having the fans back in. But I can just see Hyderabad FC nicking this final 2-1 in extra time. I may be wrong because if Kerala Blasters FC do have their fab-four firing across all cylinders, they could nick it, but if you’re asking me for predictions, I'm leaning just towards Hyderabad FC.