Kolkata: Mohammedan Sporting will fancy their chances to return to winning ways when they take on a struggling Hyderabad FC side at home on Saturday. After recording their historic maiden win in the ISL in an away match against Chennaiyin FC, the ISL debutants lost two matches in a row at home — to Mohun Bagan (0-3) and Kerala Blasters (1-2).
Hyderabad FC on the other hand are still to find their feet in the league and remain only the second team after East Bengal FC to have yet to win a match. It will be a crucial match for both the hosts, who are placed at the 10th spot (4 points) and the visitors, who occupy the 11th position (one point) in the ISL standings. The Hyderabad side will look to change the image of poor travellers after losing their previous four games on the road and conceding two-plus goals in all of them.
Hyderabad have found the target only once this season and head coach Thangboi Singto will want his players to be more efficient in the opposition box. However, that will need a more coordinated effort from their seasoned forwards and promising Indian youngsters.
“I respect Mohammedan SC and the way they got promoted to the ISL. I would say that they are a great team,” assistant coach Shameel Chembakath said.
The black-and-white brigade’s Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov wants his boys to play more freely. “We need to play without pressure,” he stated.
Saturday’s other match: NEUFC vs JFC
Friday’s result: Kerala Blasters 1 (J Jimenez 45') Bengaluru FC 3 (P Diaz 8', Edgar Mendez 74', 94')