North East United FC Aims for Top-Six Spot in Crucial Clash Against In-Form Hyderabad FC
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): As the race for the top-six positions heats up in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL), North East United FC will face Hyderabad FC on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium with a critical goal in mind: securing their place in the playoff spots. The Highlanders are currently holding onto the 6th position with 25 points from 17 matches but they know they must perform in this encounter to solidify their spot as the competition intensifies.
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
North East United has had a mixed season so far winning six matches and drawing seven. However the team is under pressure as Odisha FC (24 points) Kerala Blasters FC (21 points) and Punjab FC (20 points) are closely trailing them in the standings. A win in this fixture against Hyderabad would not only boost their chances of staying in the top six but also create a historical moment – their first-ever league double over Hyderabad FC. NorthEast had previously defeated the Nizams 5-2 in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Yet, despite the high hopes, the Highlanders have struggled at home, remaining winless in their last four matches (three draws, one loss). To remain competitive for a playoff spot, they will need to reverse this trend and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
Hyderabad FC’s Resurgence
On the other hand Hyderabad FC enters the match on the back of a 3-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC extending their unbeaten run to three games (one win, two draws). After a tough start to the season the Nizams appear to have regained their form. Hyderabad will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since their five-game winning streak in the 2022-23 season. Their recent attacking form scoring in each of their last three matches provides hope especially after struggling to find the back of the net in nine of their first 14 games. However, Hyderabad FC has been the second-lowest-scoring team in the leaguewith only 15 goals in 17 matches. Their offensive line led by Andrei Alba and Allan De Souza Miranda has been the only consistent source of goals. If Hyderabad is to continue their resurgence they will need to capitalize on every opportunity in front of goal.
A Battle of Determination and Strategy
With both teams eyeing important points, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. North East United's focus will be on maintaining their strong attacking play, led by the league's fourth-highest scorer, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who has netted 15 goals this season. Alongside him, Guillermo Fernandes and Nestor Albiach have contributed four goals each, helping the Highlanders maintain a solid offensive presence. For Hyderabad FC, it will be a battle to overcome their scoring difficulties. The team will rely heavily on their defense but their ability to convert chances into goals will be crucial for securing a positive result in this tough away fixture.
Coach’s Perspective: High Stakes for Both Sides
NorthEast United's head coach Juan Pedro Benali stressed the importance of the match for his team calling it a "final." "We need to work hard and get the points. It’s a final for them too because they’re a good team and they don’t want to be down,” said Benali acknowledging the significance of the match for both sides. Hyderabad FC's interim head coach Shameel Chembakath reflected on the positive impact of their recent win over Jamshedpur FC which gave the team a much-needed confidence boost. "The victory was a big positive for us, especially at home. However the confidence boost it has given us is even more important," Chembakath said, hinting at the optimism surrounding his squad as they head into this crucial match.
Looking Ahead
With just a few games left in the regular season, every point counts for both teams as they aim for a playoff berth. North East United's hopes of securing a top-six finish depend on breaking their home drought and maintaining their attacking momentum. For Hyderabad, the match is an opportunity to continue their resurgence and claw their way out of the lower half of the table. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams fight for vital points in the closing stages of the ISL season with North East United aiming to solidify their playoff chances and Hyderabad FC hoping to turn their recent form into a playoff push.
