Mumbai, November 29: Mumbai City FC will be up against Hyderabad FC in their upcoming Indian Super League 2024-25 clash on Saturday, November 30, at the Mumbai Football Arena, with the kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM IST.

Mumbai City FC enter this game on the back of a 0-3 defeat to Punjab FC earlier this week. With 10 points from their first eight fixtures, courtesy of two wins and four draws, the Islanders sit on the 10th place in the ISL table.

Hyderabad FC too, went down to Odisha FC in the previous game. A heavy 0-6 loss should inspire them, come Saturday. Placed 11th on the ISL table, Hyderabad FC have accumulated seven points so far and have won as many games as the Islanders.

Both these teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and just need to gather some positive momentum to resurrect their runs, as soon as possible.

Mumbai City FC’s Impressive Track Record

·      Unbeaten streak against Hyderabad FC: In their last four outings against the Hyderabad FC, Mumbai City haven’t gone down to their opponents. They have won a fixture and drawn the other three. However, their latest meeting on April 1, 2024, saw the Islanders bag a 3-0 triumph over Hyderabad FC. If they are able to win tomorrow, Petr Kratky’s side will accomplish a new feat – winning successive games against Hyderabad FC in the ISL.

·      Not giving away late goals: In the ongoing season, Mumbai City have conceded only one goal during the final 15 minutes of a game. This is the joint lowest along with Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC. Its shows that they wrap up proceedings well, giving them ample time to stage a comeback towards the fag end if the need arises too.

Hyderabad FC’s Away Record

·      Conquering the opposition’s fortress: Hyderabad FC have won both their previous away fixtures. The last time the outfit won more consecutive away clashes was in between December 2022 and January 2023 (4 games). That streak however, was ended by Mumbai City themselves on February 4, 2023 (1-1 draw). Can they make it three in a row to set a rather unique level of their proficiency on the road?

·      Need for Defensive Strength: Hyderabad FC have conceded 16 goals in eight games this season. The last time, which is also the only time they conceded more goals after their first eight games was way back in the 2019-20 edition – 17 goals. They will have to keep a watch over their backline not losing shape easily at the home of the Islanders, who will be raring to unleash their optimum prowess after the setback against Punjab FC.

Head-to-head

Mumbai City and Hyderabad FC have locked horns 10 times in the past in the ISL. While the Islanders have emerged victorious on three occasions, Hyderabad FC gathered two wins. Five fixtures have ended in a draw. Mumbai City have also scored more goals than Hyderabad FC in this fixture, 15 compared to their 12.

Coach’s Corner

“We have to prove we can do better”

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky acknowledged that Hyderabad FC have become a better team this season and hence the Islanders will have to change the way they approach this match.

“We have to prove that we can do better. We know that Hyderabad FC are more dangerous and a different team from last season. They can beat everyone. It’s about us, how we approach the game needs to be different,” Kratky said.

“Mumbai City FC are always a strong team”

Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto expressed that they are raring to comeback from their last defeat, but admitted the challenges of facing the Islanders away from home.

“Mumbai City FC are always a strong team, especially when they play at home. I think our last loss was a one-off result. It happens in football. But, how we react is more important. We have been trying to work on similar lines,” Singto said. 

Key Players and Milestones

·      Mumbai City’s Tiri has registered 7.8 successful long passes per game in the ongoing ISL edition. He has the second highest such average among outfield players and is behind Odisha FC’s Ahmed Jahouh (8.1).

·      Hyderabad FC’s Ramhlunchhunga has made 15 shot attempts in the current campaign. This is the most by an Indian player and second overall among players yet to score, with Mohammedan SC’s Franca topping the chart with 23 shots.

·      Mehtab Singh accumulated 99 touches in the Islanders previous outing against Punjab FC. This is the third most by any player in a single game this season, with only Bengaluru FC’s Rahul Bheke (102) and Mohammedan SC’s Mirjalol Kasimov (101) registering more. Moreover, Singh has made 71.6 touches per game in 2024-25, the second highest average behind Ahmed Jahouh (80.5).

·      Hyderabad FC’s Cy Goddard has a dribble success rate of 64.3%. He has nine out of 14 dribbles completed. This is the highest such aggregate among players who have attempted at least 10 dribbles.

ISL Fantasy

Yoell van Nieff (7.2cr)

The midfielder has earned the most ISL fantasy points (49) for Mumbai City FC in the current season

Andrei Alba (5cr)

The Hyderabad FC star has bagged the highest ISL fantasy points (36) for the team in this campaign

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.