ISL 2021: Chennaiyin FC (CFC) vs Hyderabad FC (HFC) Preview: Chennaiyin FC will spar with Hyderabad FC in their first Indian Super League game of 2021 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday evening. Currently in seventh place with 10 points and unbeaten in their last four outings, CFC will take positives from their fighting 0-0 draw against ATK Mohun Bagan last time out. Hyderabad FC on the other hand have lost their previous three games and are one place below Chennaiyin in 8th place with nine points.
CFC gaffer Csaba Laszlo handed out mixed team news in his pre-match press conference on Sunday. He confirmed that midfielder Rafael Crivellaro will miss the game against HFC, having been injured following an atrocious tackle by Pronay Halder in the ATKMB game. At the same time Laszlo also informed that Portuguese attacker Isma will be making a return and definitely be involved on Monday, having missed the last four games through injury.
The creative onus in skipper Rafael’s absence will fall on Chennaiyin’s talented Indian contingent, foremost being the likes of winger Lallianzuala Chhangte and midfielder Anirudh Thapa.
Chhangte is a speedy threat, capable of operating on either wings, and his hope will be to add to the one goal and assist each he has managed so far this season. Thapa on the other hand has been running the show in midfield, partnering with the likes of Memo Moura and Deepak Tangri. Against a dynamic HFC side that also boasts emerging Indian talent, it will be interesting to see how Laszlo shuffles the pack following Rafael’s unavailability.
Chennaiyin FC can take inspiration from the 100% record they boast over Hyderabad FC so far. The first meeting between both sides last season in Chennai was one of the most dramatic ISL matches ever.
The game sprung to life in second-half stoppage time, with Maltese forward Andre Schembri giving CFC the lead. HFC equalized with 95 minutes on the clock; however with virtually the last kick of the game, CFC regained the lead in dramatic fashion through Nerijus Valskis. In the reverse fixture in Hyderabad, Chennaiyin ran out 3-1 winners with Valskis and Rafael on the scoresheet.
A win over HFC could propel CFC up to fourth place with 13 points. And with the full league phase fixture schedule now out, Laszlo’s men will be hoping to garner as many points as possible, as games come thick and fast with no reprieve.
CHENNAIYIN FC VS HYDERABAD MATCH DETAILS:
Date: Monday, 4th January, 2021
Time: 7.30 PM IST
Place: GMC Stadium, Bambolim, Goa
Teams: Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC
When and Where to watch Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC?
When does Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC kick-off? Monday, 4th January, 2021 – 7.30 PM (IST)
Where is Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC being played? GMC Stadium, Bambolim, Goa
What TV channel is Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC?
Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC and other fixtures of ISL 2020-21 will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 1 Hindi and their respective HD TV channels in India.
Where to see live streaming of Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC?
Online live streaming of Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV.
Where can I get tickets for Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC? Ticket information can be found on each club’s official website
Chennaiyin FC vs Hyderabad FC Probable XI
Chennaiyin FC Bagan Probable XI: Vishal Kaith , Enes Sipovic , Eli Sabiá , Jerry Lalrinzuala, Reagan Singh , Anirudh Thapa , Memo , Lallianzuala Chhangte , Rahim Ali , Jakub Sylvestr , Rafael Crivellaro
Hyderabad FC Probable XI: Laxmikant Kattimani , Konsham Singh , Odei Onaindia , Akash Mishra, Ashish Rai , Hitesh Sharma , Joao Victor , Souvik Chakraborty, Aridane , Halicharan Narzary , Joel Chianese