ISL 2024-25: Injury-hit Mohun Bagan SG aims for maximum points against struggling Hyderabad FC
ISL 2024-25: Injury-hit Mohun Bagan SG aims for maximum points against struggling Hyderabad FC
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be looking to consolidate its position atop of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 standings when it meets a struggling Hyderabad FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
The first match of New Year is likely to get interesting with Mohun Bagan looking to continue its form that has seen it winning nine out of the 13 matches it has played so far. With two draws and as many losses completing its outings in the current season, the Kolkata-club (on 29 points) will be trying to secure more points and continue to lead in the race for the League shield.
As the reigning league champion, Mohun Bagan will be counting on this opportunity to earn the maximum against a beleaguered opponent in Hyderabad FC. With only two wins and as many draws to its credit, it has suffered nine losses so far to be placed in the 12th spot in the 13-team league with eight points.
MBSG which has remained unbeaten in its last five ISL meetings with Hyderabad FC (three wins and two draws) is the pre-match favourite. But with injuries and suspension keeping some of its key names sidelined, Mohun Bagan will have to work hard to realise its objective.
Among the absentees in the Mariners’ lineup will be the likes of Dimitri Petratos, Ashique Kuruniyan and Apuia, who is serving a suspension. However, the home side will be strengthened by the availability of its Scottish play-maker Greg Stewart, who is rejoining the squad after missing the last three matches.
Mohun Bagan’s dominance is aided by a high level of consistency which it has managed in the attacking third. The Mariners have averaged a healthy 24.1 touches in the opposition box per game, which remains the highest among in the league. In this respect Hyderabad FC has struggled in the attacking third registering the lowest average of 15.4 touches per game.
With six clean sheets Mohun Bagan has also maintained a good defensive solidity, which is highlighted by the fact that it has conceded the fewest goals (13) amongst all the teams. “Of course, we are at the top of the table and Hyderabad FC is in a lower position, but that does not mean that it’s going to be easy for us. We have to work very hard and do a good job in the 90 minutes,” MBSG head Jose Molina warned his players against complacency.
On the other hand Hyderabad FC (which lifted the ISL title in 2022) interim head coach Shameel Chembakath hoped that his team will make the required improvements and end its goal-shyness which has underlined his team’s performance where it has failed to score in the previous two away games (against Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC).
“We will be focusing more on controlling the tempo of the game while being patient. We have to be sharper both offensively and in the defence too,” Shameel said.
