Match 39 Preview: Hungry Hyderabad FC aim to continue unbeaten run against unsteady SC East Bengal.
Hyderabad FC clash against SC East Bengal in match 39 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa.


Hyderabad FC will clash against SC East Bengal in match 39 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa.
The Manuel Marquez-led side will look to climb up the league table after a draw against FC Goa in their last game.
SC East Bengal, on the other hand, will look to end their winless start to the season.
Form Guide
Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad FC have three wins, two draws, and one loss out of six games as they stand third in the league table with 11 points. With a win against SC East Bengal, they will be just a point below table-toppers Mumbai City FC in the second place.
SC East Bengal
Things haven’t got better for SC East Bengal who are yet to win their first game of the season as they sit on the bottom of the table with three points. Under new management, SC East Bengal have the chance of a turnaround.
Head-To-Head
The two teams have met just twice, with Hyderabad winning one of the encounters whereas the second encounter ended in a draw. SC East Bengal will hope to register their first win against Hyderabad in the Hero ISL.
Team News
Hyderabad FC look sharp and have no injury concerns as of now for the game.
In the SC East Bengal camp, Franjo Prce is out with an ankle injury whereas Darren Sidoel trained with the squad for the first time today and is hopeful to start the next game against Bengaluru FC.
Key Stats
Hyderabad FC’s defensive fortress
Manuel Marquez’s men have conceded five goals in six games, second best to Chennaiyin FC in the league’s defensive records. They are also conceding 3 shots on target per game, fewest in the league. Hyderabad FC have conceded zero goals via counter attacks thanks to their defensive transitions helping in stopping counter attacks.
Can fate play its role for SC East Bengal?
The Red and Gold Brigade are winless after 7 matches this season. They have drawn 3 and lost 4 of their 7 matches this season and find themselves at the bottom of the table. Last season, they found themselves winless in their first 7 matches too.
Coincidentally, they also drew 3 and lost 4 of their first 7 matches in the 20-21 season. They broke their winless streak in a 3-1 against Odisha FC in their eighth game, and the game against Hyderabad is their eighth game of the season. This game might be their lucky charm to register their first win of the season.
Key Players
Hyderabad FC
Chinglensana Singh: The defender is proving his worth for his side after his consistent display of incredible performances in all the matches. The 25-year-old has made 23 clearances, eight interceptions, and 10 blocks alongside scoring a goal in six games, shaping up to be a crucial part of the team.
Joel Chianese: The Australian forward is in decent shape and his link-up with Bartholomew Ogbeche is a boost for Hyderabad FC’s attack. Having played six games, the 31-year-old has two assists and a goal to his tally besides making 15 tackles, two interceptions, and four blocks.
SC East Bengal
Tomislav Mrcela: Mrcela is a wall at the back for the SC East Bengal defence, making 35 clearances, eight tackles, and six interceptions besides netting a goal in seven games.
Naorem Singh: The forward will play a key role in SC East Bengal’s attack, with his far wide runs and ball-holding ability, Singh is bound to contribute to more goals and assists in the matches ahead
Match Timings and Telecast Details
Match: Hyderabad FC vs SC East Bengal
Date: 23rd December 2021
Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, Goa
Kick-off time: 7.30 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.