League leaders Hyderabad FC will try to consolidate their position in the championship race, when they take on a struggling FC Goa side in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 clash at the Athletic Stadium, on Saturday night.

The Gaurs have struggled in to convert opportunities into scored while they are ranked first in terms of shots, they are ranked 7th for goals and 11th for goal conversion rate.

On the other hand, Hyderabad FC have witnessed the most potent attack in the club’s history this season. The team has scored 36 goals this season (2.25 goals/match), the most they have managed in a single season and they have achieved this record in just 16 matches.

The table toppers Hyderabad FC look to solidify their position at the top of the table while FC Goa hope to keep season alive under tough circumstances.

Form Guide

Hyderabad FC - WWWLW

The Manuel Marquez coached side have won four of their last five matches this season, which was a 1-2 defeat at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan. Hyderabad FC had the better of Bengaluru FC in their previous match and registered a 2-1 win and are now at the top spot, with 29 points from 16 matches.

FC Goa - DLDWL

The Gaurs have won just once, drawn two and lost an equal number of matches in their last five assignments. The only win was a 5-0 thumping over Chennaiyin FC, before they were handed a 0-2 defeat by ATK Mohun Bagan in the previous game. They are now at the ninth spot in the league table with 18 points from 17 matches.

Head to Head

In the five matches contested, FC Goa have emerged victorious thrice while the remaining two fixtures ended in a draw meaning Hyderabad FC are yet to defeat FC Goa in the Hero ISL.

Team News

There are a few injuries in the FC Goa team and a couple of positive cases. Glan Martins faces suspension for the accumulation of four yellow cards

Key Players

Hyderabad FC

Bartholomew Ogbeche: We know what he does best - score goals. However, the fact that he has not been able to find the back of the net in the last two matches might have irked the footballer to some extent. In 15 matches played so far, the striker has been on the scoresheet 14 times, which is more than any player in the league. In the last match against Bengaluru FC, earlier this season, Ogbeche’s lone strike earned three points for Hyderabad FC.

Akash Mishra: After his remarkable breakthrough last season, the footballer has carried forward his form to the Hero ISL 2021-22 as well. Akash Mishra has been phenomenal in his side-back position, having made 65 tackles and 35 interceptions so far in 16 matches, topping the charts in both the departments for his side. The footballer also made 598 passes (second most by a Hyderabad FC player), along with scoring two goals and providing three assists in the same.

FC Goa

Jorge Ortiz: With 12 goal contributions (7 goals and 5 assists) out of the 23 goals scored by the Gaurs so far this season, Jorge Ortiz has been their most important player this season. Out of the four matches FC Goa have won this season, the Spaniard has been on the scoresheet on three of those occasions, which includes a hat-trick against Chennaiyin FC. Ortiz has also taken 54 shots overall, which is the second highest by any player this season, after Liston Colaco.

Brandon Fernandes: Despite joining late into the party, the Indian midfielder has already made a mark with his skills and passing ability. In the five matches he played so far, Brandon registered 212 passes at a rate of 42.40 passes per game, maintaining an accuracy of 74.05%. Apart from which, he has taken nine shots, produced 13 crosses and made 11 tackles to go along with. His all-round abilities will be essential for FC Goa in the upcoming match.

Key Stats

An unwanted record

A defeat for FC Goa in the upcoming match will see them equal their record of most defeats in the league stages of the Hero ISL. They suffered 8 defeats in the league stages of Hero ISL 2016.

A historic moment for Hyderabad

Hyderabad need a point more to break the club record of most points in a Hero ISL season. The current club record is 29 points and they achieved this in the 2020-21 season of the Hero ISL.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Hyderabad FC vs FC Goa

Date: 19th February 2022

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim

Kick-off time: 9.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.