Chennaiyin FC are all set to face Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 11, at 7:30 pm IST.

The two teams are in an urgent need for a shift in momentum, with Chennaiyin FC placed ninth in the standings, thanks to 12 points from 11 matches comprising three victories – whereas, Hyderabad FC have collected seven points from 10 games with the help of two wins and a solitary draw. Both teams are currently on a three-game losing streak.

Currently, Chennaiyin FC trail the sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (15 points from 11 matches) by merely three points and they will want to bridge that gap and begin climbing up the ladder, whereas the Hyderabad FC unit will seek an immediate recovery, having 2 games in hand, they have a good opportunity to cover the lost ground. But, will they manage to overcome the Chennaiyin FC challenge especially whilst playing on the road?

Chennaiyin FC’s goal-scoring run and record vs Hyderabad FC

· Pursuing Goals: Chennaiyin FC have found the back of the net 16 times in 11 games this season, however, they have been without a goal in their last three matches. To add to that, they have not netted in their last two clashes against Hyderabad FC, whom they have beaten only once in their previous six encounters. Coyle would know that to snap this run will be to be on the offensive consistently, something that the home crowd support could propel them to achieve.

· Owen Coyle’s Milestone: Coyle is on the brink of completing 50 ISL matches coaching the Chennaiyin FC. He will become the first tactician to do so for the Marina Machans. In his 49 games for them so far, Coyle has pioneered the team to 19 wins and nine draws. His win rate of 38.8% in the league is bettered only by Marco Materazzi (40.4%) among coaches for the team in the competition. Can he make this game memorable tomorrow for himself and the fans?

Hyderabad FC looking to fix issues at both ends

· Need to Start Strong: Hyderabad FC have ended up conceding more goals in the first half of ISL 2024-25 (11) than any other team. By going down a goal, match strategy and plans then tend to keep evolving and most of it is playing catch up, which takes away crucial points and game play. HFC need to start dictate proceedings, a course the side could look at embracing from the coming encounter onwards.

· Frontline to Fire? Hyderabad FC have been unable to strike goals in four out of their last six matches. Incidentally, their only two wins in this period have come in matches when they have found the back of the net, i.e. 4-0 v Mohammedan SC and 2-1 v Kerala Blasters FC. They have displayed glimpses of their potential in the final third occasionally, and now it’s time they convert chances into goals. .

Head-to-Head

The two sides have played 11 matches in the ISL, with Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC winning four games each. Three encounters have resulted in a draw.

Coaches Corner

“Hyderabad FC have good Indian and foreigner players”

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle maintained that they will be respectful of the Hyderabad FC team and heaped praise on the talent at their disposal.

“Hyderabad FC have some very good players and some talented Indian players. A lot of them have done well. We are very respectful of the game tomorrow night. We will be very positive and try to win the game from the very first minute,” Coyle said.

“Football is a game of ups and downs”

Hyderabad FC assistant coach Shameel Chembakath expressed hope that his team will be storming back into form, mentioning that they are working well on the areas that need improvement.

“When the results are disappointing, we are fully aware of the areas we need to improve upon. Football is a game of ups and downs. Training is going well. We are taking this challenge positively and we will be bouncing back,” Chembakath.

Key Players & Milestones

· Chennaiyin FC’s Connor Shields has been a threat from the flanks, attempting at least 10 or more crosses in each of his last six games in the league. It is the longest run of such games for any player in competition history; Shields has attempted 127 crosses in 10 games in 2024-25, with his average of 12.7 crosses per game being the highest of any player across a single campaign. This facet of his gameplay adds a stellar element to Chennaiyin FC’s attacking patterns, helping them optimise the aerial prowess of some of their players.

· Chennaiyin FC’s Daniel Chima Chukwu tends to bring his A-game to the table against Hyderabad FC, having scored five goals against them – netting more only against Odisha FC (6) in the ISL. In fact, the striker’s only hat-trick in the competition came against Hyderabad FC, when he was representing Jamshedpur FC on December 21, 2023. With two strikes and 33 touches inside the opposition’s box to his name this season, Chukwu will be eyeing to further up his tally helping the team’s cause.

· Hyderabad FC’s Cy Goddard has struck and assisted once each this season, making 11 successful dribbles, 14 key passes, creating 15 goal-scoring opportunities, and winning 30 duels whilst rounding off 31 recoveries. With 85% passing accuracy, he has been clinical in his endeavours in the final third and the team will be expecting greater tangible returns from him to solve their goal-scoring woes.

ISL Fantasy

Wilmar Jordan Gil (₹ 9.5cr)

The forward has earned the most ISL fantasy points (45) for Chennaiyin FC in 2024-25

Andrei Alba (₹ 5cr)

Andrei Alba has bagged the most ISL fantasy points (44) for Hyderabad FC in 2024-25

Indian Super League is being streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2; with Sports 18 — Khel and Star Sports 3 also telecasting select ISL matches LIVE.