East Bengal vs Hyderabad
Indian Super Cup
Tuesday
9th January 2024
Kalinga Pitch 1
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the Indian Super Cup fixture between East Bengal and Hyderabad.
East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Preview
East Bengal form analysis
The Bangal Brigade have shown promising signs defensively but produced inconsistent attacking form over recent Indian Super League games. They started this run by grinding out a fortunate 1-1 away draw with Chennaiyin on November 25th courtesy of an Anirudh Thapa own goal before conceding late. East Bengal followed up with their best performance, trouncing NorthEast United 5-0 at home on December 4th through goals from Borja Herrera, a Cleiton Silva brace and a Nicolau Sekar double.
However, this attacking form quickly disappeared; East Bengal then played out three consecutive goalless home draws against Punjab, Mumbai City and Odisha despite creating chances in each game. Overall, while East Bengal have been solid defensively and extremely hard to break down, their lack of ruthlessness in converting chances during their recent barren run has stalled momentum. Recapturing attacking flair could spark an upturn leading into the second half of the ISL campaign.
Hyderabad form analysis
Hyderabad have suffered from woeful defensive form over their last five Indian Super League matches, severely stunting their top four push. They started this disappointing run with three consecutive single goal losses away to Kerala Blasters, at home to Mohun Bagan and away to NorthEast United, with the latter featuring an early own goal concession. Hyderabad stopped the rot with a fortuitous 1-1 away draw against Odisha on December 10th, relying on substitute Paul Putenen’s second half equalizer to claim a point after again falling behind.
However, their defensive issues dramatically resurfaced in their heaviest defeat of the season, an embarrassing 5-0 thrashing away to Jamshedpur on December 21st. Daniel Chima Chukwu netted a hat trick while further goals from Semboi Haokip and an own goal condemned Hyderabad. Overall, Hyderabad must urgently address their defensive weaknesses and improve organizational structure to turn around their alarming slump in form over the past month.
