Preview: Hyderabad FC, Chennaiyin FC lock horns looking to secure first victory

Hyderabad FC will host Chennaiyin FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on Monday, October 23, as the two teams look to correct their indifferent start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign.

Hyderabad has faced defeat in both of their games until now, whereas the Marina Machans have lost thrice consecutively since the commencement of the season. This fixture will ensure that at least one, if not both of them, opens their account in the points tally.

What’s at stake?

Hyderabad FC

The team will need to cope quickly under the tutelage of Thangboi Singto to get their campaign up and running. The side will possibly bank on the familiarity and support that comes with playing on their home turf to taste success against Chennaiyin FC.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC lost by 3-1 to the Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the last game, but they struck back in the international break with a 6-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in a friendly encounter. Head coach Owen Coyle would have had more time in his hands to implement his ideas on the pitch in the last couple of weeks, and he hopes to see the results of the same in the league now.

Key Players

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

The attacking midfielder is the source of Hyderabad’s creativity in the final third, but he has yet to register a goal or an assist across two matches. Yasir will have to be sharper and more direct with his approach whilst moving the ball forward to create better chances for his teammates.

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

Rafael Crivellaro holds the key to unlocking the Hyderabad backline. He came off the bench to score and make an impact against the Mariners, and Coyle might even consider starting him to see if the Brazilian playmaker can have a similar influence over the proceedings throughout the 90 minutes.

Head-to-Head

Played – 8

Hyderabad FC – 3

Chennaiyin FC – 3

Draws – 2

Team Talk

“It’s good to be back. I think this match is going to be one of the most important matches for us, in terms of the season, in terms of getting a start, where the season might go for us. As you know, we have lost the first two games. Performance-wise we did quite well, but the result was otherwise. But coming back home is good. For every team, home is where you want to shine, play well, and please the most important people, i.e. the fans,” Hyderabad FC Head Coach Thangboi Singto said in the pre-match press conference.

“It’s not the start anybody wanted but that’s the nature of football. If you go and win three games, it doesn’t guarantee anything. What we have said consistently is the more we bond and play together, the better we will become. The break has been very good for us. We worked very hard. We managed to play against Gokulam Kerala, which is a very good team, who are preparing to be the champions of the I-League,” Coyle underlined the preparation that Chennaiyin underwent during the international break.

Where to Watch

Viacom18 is the new home of Indian football and the match between Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC will kick off at 8 PM on October 23, 2023. Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 SD & HD (English), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), DD Bangla & Colors Bangla Cinema (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

ISL Fantasy

Top picks & players to watch out for

Hitesh Sharma (6.8cr)

Scored in Hyderabad’s first game of the season against East Bengal FC

Rafael Crivellaro (7.6cr)

Converted a direct free kick into a goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Mohammad Yasir (7.8cr)

Notched three goals and four assists in ISL 2022-23

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation®5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/