Bhubaneswar, 10 February : There will be a lot at stake for both the teams apart from securing three points when Odisha FC and Hyderabad FC meet in a Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 encounter at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday evening. The Juggernauts need a win to move back into the final playoff spot. On the other hand, if Hyderabad FC drops points in Odisha, then Mumbai City FC will have a chance to become league champions on Saturday itself.
Odisha FC has suffered a string of poor results. At the same time, Bengaluru FC have got consecutive winning opportunities by being in good form. Due to this, both the clubs are seen swapping places with only three matches remaining. Trailing by just one point, the Juggernauts cannot reclaim sixth place even with a draw as they trail the Blues on goal difference.
Last week, Odisha FC’s winless streak extended to four matches after a 1-1 draw against FC Goa. The Juggernauts have lost two and drawn two of their last four matches. However, head coach Josep Gombau’s juggernauts have been strong at home as they have lost only one out of eight Hero ISL matches this season and will look to cash in on their superior record.
Diego Mauricio took his season tally to double figures last week, but the real concern for Odisha FC will be in defence. The Juggernauts will be without the suspended defensive duo of Sahil Panwar and Narendra Gehlot.
Gombau said, “We have three matches left and each match is like a final. We didn’t have much time to prepare for this match as we played last Monday, but I think the team is ready. Tomorrow we will try to do well because we want to be in the top six and for that we need to get a good result, he added.
Hyderabad FC are seven points behind league leaders Mumbai City FC. The defending champions have one match to spare but if they falter against Odisha FC, the Islanders will have a chance to win the 2022-23 Hero ISL Shield with two matches to spare against FC Goa on Saturday.
Hyderabad FC, who are undefeated in eight matches, will arrive in Odisha with the same mindset they have always had. Left-back Akash Mishra will be the only player to be absent due to his suspension.
Last week, defending champions Hero under head coach Manolo Marquez became the only team this ISL season to remain undefeated in both league matches against Mumbai City FC. Hyderabad FC were trailing till the 65th minute but Hitesh Sharma equalized.
Marquez said, “We always do the same preparation for every match. We know they (Odisha FC) are fighting for playoff qualification. He said, “When they play at home, they are a strong team. Most of their points this season have come at the Kalinga Stadium, so we are expecting a tough match.”
These two teams have met on seven occasions in the Hero ISL. Hyderabad FC have won four matches while Odisha FC have won twice. The defending champions are unbeaten against the Juggernauts in their last five encounters.
