Hyderabad, December 22: Hyderabad FC are hosting NorthEast United FC when the two sides face off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 23, Monday, at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium at 7:30 pm IST. Hyderabad FC are unbeaten in their last nine matches against the Highlanders (W6 D3), the longest such streak they hold against any team in the competition.
NorthEast United FC enter this match on the back of two victories and a draw in their last five matches. However, they have also faced two defeats on the bounce and head coach Juan Pedro Benali will want to arrest this run with a positive result on the road. Currently, they are positioned eighth in the points table with 15 points from 11 matches. Hyderabad FC are in the 12th place after garnering seven points with two victories and a draw in 11 encounters. They parted ways with head coach Thangboi Singto and are targeting a better run for the remaining part of the campaign.
NorthEast United FC have dropped 12 points from winning positions this season, the most in the league. In contrast, Hyderabad are one of only three sides yet to lose a point from a winning position. The visitors will have to be cautious of this tendency since they have conceded 18 goals in 11 clashes this season, though Hyderabad FC, too, have to regain their feet in offence – having netted seven times in ISL 2024-25, which is the second-least in the league after Mohammedan SC (5).
Hyderabad FC’s quest for balance
• Clean Sheets: Hyderabad FC have managed two clean sheets in their first 11 matches this season, a tally they have bettered only twice in the ISL (7 in 2022-23 and 3 in 2020-21). They will be buoyant by the fact that the Highlanders haven’t scored in their last two outings.
• Final Quarter Struggles: Hyderabad FC have scored only once in the final 30 minutes of their matches, the lowest in the league. However, they have conceded six goals during the same period, highlighting potential late-game vulnerability. The team will have to discover a balance between their duties on both ends of the field to avoid letting the game slip away from their hold.
NorthEast United FC’s attacking flair
• Direct Attacks: NorthEast United FC have recorded 30 direct attacks this season, the most by any team, with three leading to goals, which is a league-high shared with Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC. Direct attacks are open-play sequences that begin just inside a team’s own half, progress with at least 50% of movement toward the opposition’s goal, and conclude with either a shot or a touch inside the opposition’s box.
• Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s Impact: The Highlanders’ forward has been a standout performer, contributing 15 goal involvements, winning eight points for his side, and boasting an xG differential of +4.98. His clinical finishing (11 goals from an xG of 6.02) makes him a key player for their frontline.
Coaches Corner
“The players have a positive attitude and mindset”
Hyderabad FC’s interim head coach Shameel Chembakath praised the attitude of his players in the buildup to this match.
“We have had four training sessions. They have gone well. The players have responded in a good manner and they have a positive attitude and mindset,” Chembakath said.
“We should not take it easy”
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali underlined the strengths of the home side in the pre-match press conference.
“We have been preparing for a while. It’s a very important game for us after two defeats. We should not take it easy as Hyderabad FC are a team that create a lot of chances and are a very fast side too,” Benali said.
Head-to-Head
In their 10 matches so far, Hyderabad FC have secured six wins, while three matches ended in draws. NorthEast United FC have won once.
Key Players & Milestones
• NorthEast United FC’s Guillermo Fernandez averages six aerial duels per game, the joint second-highest in the league (Javi Siverio – 7.3 & Wilmar Jordan – 6). His aerial prowess could spell trouble for the Hyderabad FC backline.
• Hyderabad FC’s Ramhlunchhunga, has taken 21 shots this season – the most by an Indian player yet to score. The 23-year-old will be keen to set this record straight in the coming encounter.
• Hyderabad FC’s Lenny Rodrigues has been involved in three errors leading to opposition shots, including two that resulted in goals. The home team will want him to embrace a more composed outlook at the centre of the park.
ISL Fantasy
Andrei Alba (5.0cr)
The Hyderabad FC player has earned the most fantasy points (48) for them this season
Alaaeddine Ajaraie (8.3cr)
The forward has bagged the highest ISL fantasy points (88) for his team in 2024-25
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.
