The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Saturday double header on October 26 will cap off with a captivating contest between Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC at 7:30 pm IST. This is a clash where both sides are vehemently searching for a spark after showing occasional positive signs in the first few matches of the season.

As the campaign intensifies in the coming weeks, it is vital that they start getting three points under their belt in order to set up well for the gruelling, action-packed calendar coming their way. Mohammedan SC and Hyderabad FC are placed 10th and 11th in the ISL standings respectively as of now.

Mohammedan SC look to set house in order

Seeking Steady Start: With four points in the first five games, Mohammedan SC are coming into terms with the competitiveness prevalent in the league. However, if they are unable to add further to their tally in this match, it will result in the third-lowest points garnered by a team following their first six games in the ISL (after East Bengal – 2 points in 2020-21 and Punjab FC – 2 points in 2023-24). With a fair understanding of what the league has to offer, Mohammedan SC will want to put their best foot forward in this match.

Need For More Teeth In Attack: Mohammedan SC have recorded only 81 touches in the opposition’s box in this campaign. They have struck three goals and will want their frontline to come together with greater cohesiveness against Hyderabad FC, who have made 61 touches in the opposite team’s 18-yard box. Will both teams hold their cards close to themselves or look to unleash their optimum attacking potential? Only time will tell.

Hyderabad FC’s search for form on the road

Away Struggles: Hyderabad FC will want to snap their streak away from home, having faced defeats in their previous four games on the road. They have given away 2+ goals in all of them. Fixing their defensive issues when not playing at home could potentially help them build up their attacks and work gradually but consistently towards availing positive outcomes hereon.

Better Shot Conversion Required?: Hyderabad FC have struck the back of the net only once this season. Head coach Thangboi Singto will want his players to be more efficient in the danger area, since their shot conversion rate of 2.1% needs significant upgrade. It will need a coordinated effort from both their seasoned forwards and promising Indian youngsters.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting in the ISL between these two teams. Hyderabad FC have won twice in the 12 times that they have faced a new opponent in the competition for the first time.

*Coach’s Corner*

“We need to play without pressure”

Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov explained that they need to undertake every match with utmost sincerity and seriousness. He wants his team to put up a show for the fans of the club tomorrow and live up to the legacy of their club.

“We need to understand that this is a serious team. We need to play without pressure. The result may not be as important for us. But, we are a big club and there are traditions and we are together and we have to show that. We have to take it as a serious match and we need to play like before, give what we have” Chernyshov said.

“I respect Mohammedan SC”

Hyderabad FC assistant coach Shameel Chembakath was positive about the opposition. He mentioned that they have analysed them in detail and was appreciative of the steps that the Kolkata-based team has taken in the last year or so.

“There are a lot of parts that we assess about every opposition. We also have some foreign players who have joined the team. I respect Mohammedan SC and the way they got promoted to the ISL. I would say that they are a great team,” Chembakath said.

Key Players & Milestones

Hyderabad FC’s attacking midfielder Cy Goddard is their creator-in-chief. His dribble success rate of 88.9% is the highest in the league for any player who has at least attempted five of them. His ability to dazzle seamlessly into the final third should see them produce more goal-scoring opportunities in the coming games.

Mohammedan SC’s Amarjit Singh Kiyam has been a defensive rock in the midfield, recording two blocks per match in the ISL this season. His ability to snap the opposition’s offensive sequences has seen him evolve into an integral member of the team’s core group of players.

Hyderabad FC’s Alex Saji has shown his worth in both ends of the field. Whilst he primarily operates out of the backline, his Xg (expected goals) tally of 0.49 against Jamshedpur FC is the highest aggregate for a defender in the present ISL season.

ISL Fantasy

Mirjalol Kasimov (5.4cr) has earned 27 ISL fantasy points this season.

Ramhlunchhunga (5.4cr) has bagged 19 ISL fantasy points 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 and Sports 18 — Khel is also telecasting select ISL matches LIVE.