The Blues are currently in third place in the table with 27 points from 15 matches, while Hyderabad FC sit at the bottom with nine points from as many games. The visitors began the season on a flawless note but recent results mean that they are eight points behind league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With nine matches to go in the regular season for them, the side can’t afford to drop points if they have to keep their ambitions of becoming the ISL Champions alive.
Bengaluru FC went scoreless in their last match, which was a 0-1 loss to Mohammedan SC. The previous time they went consecutive games without finding the back of the net were the last two matches before Gerard Zaragoza took over as the head coach in December 2023. Since then, particularly this season, there has been a smooth consistency in their frontline, as reflected with the Blues having found the back of the net 28 times, as opposed to 11 of Hyderabad FC. Four of Hyderabad FC’s 11 goals in ISL 2024-25 have come in their last five matches, where they have drawn twice and lost thrice.
A victory here will see Hyderabad FC extend their unbeaten home stretch against the Blues to four matches. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, are looking to avoid a third consecutive loss, in order to sustain pressure at their opponents in the upper half of the points table.
With Bengaluru FC striving to break their away run and Hyderabad FC seeking to bounce back from a testing campaign, this promises to be a contest with a reasonable lot to play for both the teams.
Hyderabad FC’s Struggles
Defensive Insights: Hyderabad FC have conceded 26 goals from inside the box, interestingly exactly the same numbers that Bengaluru FC have scored from the zone this term. Can Hyderabad FC take a brave call to operate with a high defensive line, win ball in Bengaluru FC’s half and limit their involvement in closer ranges?
Home Form: While Hyderabad FC have scored in their last two home games, they have managed only one goal in each of their three home matches in against Bengaluru FC. They need to step up their scoring efforts to push Bengaluru FC back and make the most of the opponents’ recent away issues.
Bengaluru FC’s current form
Striking Surge: Bengaluru FC have scored 26 goals from inside the box this season, a tally only bettered by Odisha FC (28). Their attack, led by clinical players like Sunil Chhetri (9), Ryan Williams (5), and Edgar Mendez (4), will look to outnumber Hyderabad FC inside the 18-yard area.
Straight Losses: The Blues come into this game on the back of two consecutive losses, a streak they last endured in October-November 2022. They will have to overcome their woes on the road to mount a serious challenge for the top spot.
Head-to-Head
In 11 matches between the two teams, Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC have won four and three games respectively. The rest have resulted in a draw.
Coach’s Corner
“We don’t think about the opponents”
Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath encouraged his players to take the opponents out of the equation when preparing for a match.
“The message to the players has always been clear. That is, to not think about the three points. That way, we will be in a good place,” he said.
“We want to enjoy the way we play football”
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said that his team seeks happiness out of the way they play football.
“We want to enjoy the way we play football. We want to win, of course. We hate losing. But, we also want the supporters to enjoy watching us play,” he said.
Key Players & Milestones
* Bengaluru FC’s Sunil Chhetri has scored five goals against Hyderabad FC in ISL history, including two in the reverse fixture earlier this season. He will be raring to touch double-digit mark with his 10th strike of the season in this match.
* Bengaluru FC’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one clean sheet away from becoming the first goalkeeper to reach 50 shutouts in ISL history. He has ensured that the Blues have not conceded goals in five matches this season.
* Hyderabad FC’s Abdul Rabeeh has notched 38 touches in the opposition box this season, which is the most by any Indian player without scoring a goal. He has also created 13 goal-scoring chances and won 75 duels in 2024-25.
ISL Fantasy
Andrei Alba (4.9cr)
The Hyderabad FC player has earned the highest ISL fantasy points (65) for his team in 2024-25
Rahul Bheke (4.8cr)
Bheke has earned the most ISL fantasy points for Bengaluru FC (86) this season
The Indian Super League will be streamed live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally, select ISL matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.
