Match 88 Preview: Bengaluru FC aims to extend unbeaten run against high-flying Hyderabad FC

Bengaluru FC will lock horns with Hyderabad FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Friday as the tussle to the top tightens.

Hyderabad FC have so far managed to enjoy rich vein of form in front of goal with the help of Indian players contributing heavily with 22 goals out of 34 this season, meanwhile, the Blues have followed suit and are following closely behind with 20 goals.

In what could prove a trailer for the potential main event of Hero ISL title bout, the two will aim to put the best foot forward.

Head To Head

The two sides share an evenly poised head to head record with Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC both with a win each and three drawn fixtures between them.

Form Guide

Bengaluru FC: WDWWW

Like a reignited flame, Bengaluru FC have scripted a memorable comeback thus far. They are on a nine-match unbeaten streak and have recorded four wins out of their last five matches, beating potential semi-finalists in Mumbai City FC (0-3), Chennaiyin FC (3-0), Kerala Blasters FC (0-1), and Jamshedpur FC (3-1).

Hyderabad FC: DWWWL

A dominating season so far for Hyderabad FC saw them register only their third loss, coming at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan in the previous match after a hat-trick of wins.

Team News

From the Bengaluru FC camp, Ashique Kuruniyan is back working with the team, but he's far away from a return. Yrondu Musavu King, Amay Ranawade and Harmanpreet Singh are all ruled out for the remainder of the season. Rohit is also injured after the last game. Yaya Banana is now with the squad, has trained a few times, but a call upon his inclusion will be taken before the match.

Also Read: Have to make the chances count against Hyderabad FC: Bengaluru FC’s Marco Pezzaiuoli

Key Players

Bengaluru FC

Roshan Singh: His six assists this season is the most by an Indian defender. If he assists one more goal this season, he will equal the record for most assists by a Bengaluru FC player in a Hero ISL season, overtaking Udanta Singh’s seven assists.

Cleiton Silva: Brazilian forward ended his four-game goalless streak with a brace against Jamshedpur FC to help them come from behind to take the match 3-1.

Hyderabad FC

Bartholomew Ogbeche: The striker has put up such a dominant display this season, that he is now only one goal away from equalling his best goals return in a Hero ISL season. He scored 15 goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the 2019-20 season.

Akash Mishra: Mishra has been a revelation in attack this season. Akash Mishra has provided 3 assists for Hyderabad this season and 4 overall in the Hero ISL.

His 3 assists for them this season are the joint-most by a Hyderabad player

Key Stats

Leading set-piece assault

Bengaluru have scored the most set-piece goals this season (16). Hyderabad are trailing right behind them with second-most goals from set-pieces in Hero ISL 2021-22 (14).

High-flying Hyderabad

A win in the upcoming match will see Hyderabad FC match their best ever points tally in the league stages of a Hero ISL season (29). They picked up 29 points in the 2020-21 Hero ISL season.