Defending champions Mumbai City FC would be aiming to continue their perfect start to their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season with a second straight win when they face off against Hyderabad FC on Saturday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

The Nizams were unfortunate to miss out on a semi-finals berth last season, finishing fifth behind FC Goa, and Manuel Marquez’s troops would be looking to better their record in this campaign. Mumbai City FC have gone into the season as favourites, as they lifted their first-ever Hero ISL title in the seventh edition, after also winning the League Winners’ Shield at the end of the regular season.

Form Guide

Mumbai City FC

A thumping 3-0 victory over FC Goa in their first game of the campaign, took Mumbai City FC to the top of the 2021-22 Hero ISL table. Igor Angulo was the star performer on the night, scoring two goals against his former side. Des Buckingham’s men racked up a win and a couple of draws in their pre-season friendlies against Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and SC East Bengal.

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC would’ve been disappointed with their result against Chennaiyin FC in their opening game, as they dominated proceedings but ended up on the losing side as Hitesh Sharma conceded a penalty which Vladimir Koman converted in the 66th minute to register the only goal of the match. They had a lengthy pre-season, winning four and losing two of their six pre-season friendlies.

Team News

Mumbai City FC

Des Buckingham fielded a new look eleven in the season opener, as several fresh signings like Lalengmawia Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Cassio Gabriel were handed starts. Heading into the second game, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy is the only name on the injury list for Mumbai City FC, as he is set to be unavailable for up to six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in his side’s first game against FC Goa.

Hyderabad FC

The Nizams have added experience to their ranks in the summer transfer window by acquiring Bartholomew Ogbeche, Juanan, and Edu Garcia, all of whom featured in the first game along with key Indian talents like Hitesh Sharma, Mohammad Yasir, and Chinglensana Singh. Halicharan Narzary has been ruled out by Manuel Marquez for the coming few games, as a knee injury forced him to come off in the first half in their game against Chennaiyin FC.

Head-to-Head Record

The scales are tilted in Mumbai City FC’s favour as far as the head-to-head record between the two teams is concerned, as they have won twice and drawn twice in the four games they have played against Hyderabad FC. The defending champions bagged all three points in their away game last season winning 2-0 but were held to a draw by their opponents in the reverse fixture, with a 0-0 scoreline.

Key Players

Mumbai City FC - Igor Angulo

Having been adjudged the Hero of the Match in the match against the Gaurs, Angulo would be looking to add to his tally of goals and establish a lead in the Golden Boot race for the season. The marksman who bagged the top scorer award last season has picked up from where he left off, justifying why Mumbai City FC acquired his services ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Mumbai City FC - Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh has continued to be the focal point in the Islanders’ midfield even under Buckingham. In the game against FC Goa, he was instrumental in the build-up to Angulo’s second goal with a no-look pass, while also assisting substitute Ygor Catatau’s goal from a set-piece. His command over the ball, and defensive capabilities will be put to the test against a lively Hyderabad FC.

Hyderabad FC - Bartholomew Ogbeche

The third-highest goalscorer in the Hero ISL history may have failed to get his name on the scoresheet against Chennaiyin FC, but he was a menace in the final third with his strength and aerial prowess, as he kept the opposition defence on their toes. Mumbai City FC is the club for whom Ogbeche turned out last year, and his familiarity with the team’s mentality and players may be an asset for Hyderabad FC along with his predatory instincts as a forward.

Hyderabad FC - Joao Victor

Hyderabad FC’s captain Joao Victor has cemented his spot in Manuel Marquez’s side, as he is an influential figure in midfield, orchestrating his team’s every move. He played the entire 90 minutes against Chennaiyin FC, racking up 48 passes with an accuracy of 85.41%, while also making three tackles, two clearances, and one block.

Key Stats

Angulo’s happy hunting ground: The forward has scored 10 of his 16 goals at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, which is 62.5% of all his goals in the Hero ISL.

Chinglensana’s impact: The central defender who has earned praise for his ball-playing abilities attempted 61 passes against Chennaiyin FC in the opening game, of which 88.52% were successful. 35 of his 54 successful passes were forward passes.

Resolute performances at Fatorda: Both teams were unbeaten at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in Hero ISL 2020-21, as Mumbai City FC won four and drew one game while Hyderabad FC racked up four draws in the four games they played at the venue

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Mumbai City FC vs Hyderabad FC

Date: 27th November

Venue: GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, Goa

Kick-off time: 9.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 3, Hindi Commentary on Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 regional channels - Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.