Hyderabad vs. ATK Mohun Bagan – Soccer Match Preview – March 9, 2023 – ESPN

Hyderabad FC host ATK Mohun Bagan at GMC Balayogi Stadium within the first leg of the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) semi-final on Thursday. It’s a repeat match from final season’s semi-final, which Hyderabad gained 3-2 on combination, and went on to win the event.

Nonetheless, the defending champions don’t come into this match as favourites, and neither does ATK Mohun Bagan. Each side have proven solely flashes of brilliance this season, typically counting on moments of particular person high quality moderately than a well-defined type of play.

Steadiness this two-legged tie, with no clues as to what is going to tip the scales on this fascinating contest.

face to face

Even the previous doesn’t assist notably relating to predicting how this sport will prove – the 2 groups have gained their residence video games this season in related style – 1-0 attrition issues. Nonetheless, knockout soccer presents a unique context, and Hyderabad picked up their first win over ATK Mohun Bagan final yr within the first leg, a 3-1 win, earlier than Laxmikant Kattimani’s heroics noticed them by means of regardless of from a 0-1 loss on the pitch. leg.

Total, they’ve met ten occasions, with ATK Mohun Bagan successful 4 occasions, whereas Hyderabad FC have solely gained twice, each occasions at residence.

How did they get right here?

Regardless of the gloom surrounding Hyderabad, the irony was that their complete of 42 factors, sufficient for second place within the league, was their finest ever. Manolo Márquez defied the chances this season, battling harm and poor type for modern wins. 46% of Hyderabad’s wins this season got here by a 1-0 scoreline – the sample was fairly apparent: maintain it regular and one assault down the wing ought to work.

Hyderabad completed the season with the seventh-best xG of any workforce (24.5, which interprets to 36 targets), however have been rescued by their protection, which was the perfect within the league, conceding the fewest targets (16). , the least xG conceded (19.9) and preserve the cleanest aim (10).

Seven groups have scored greater than ATK Mohun Bagan’s paltry complete of 24 targets in 20 video games this season. Nonetheless, as seen of their tie towards Odisha, they’ve a trump card within the type of Dimi Petratos. The Australian has participated in 65% of ATKMB’s targets this season and is vital in Juan Ferrando’s type of play.

How can Hyderabad FC win this sport?

Though Márquez mentioned that on paper it is a low-goal sport, he famous that knockout soccer can generate outliers as a high-scoring sport. Maybe it’s a window into his pondering that Hyderabad can take it upon himself to assault as the house workforce, and the pinnacle coach can be anticipating a much bigger and louder contingent within the stands, this being the primary ISL knockout sport within the Gachibowli stadium.

Bart Ogbeche is a doubt for this sport, which is able to fall on Borja Herrera and presumably Joel Chianese to exchange Javi Siverio up entrance. Nonetheless, if Ogbeche is match, Chianese will break by means of as Hyderabad reverts to their compact 4-4-1-1 to make sure that ATK Mohun Bagan’s attacking choices aren’t totally labored out. Joao Victor is an choice for Márquez if he desires to take away the hazard of Petratos and Hugo Boumous taking place in midfield, whereas Hyderabad’s established defensive lineup ought to maintain its personal.

Shifting ahead, Márquez has rotated his extensive choices all season, however Halicharan Nazary and Mo Yasir must be given the nod, particularly given their penchant for making a aim out of skinny air. There’s no time like the current, huh?

How can ATK Mohun Bagan win this sport?

Juan Ferrando has gotten into the refereeing controversy surrounding Indian soccer in the mean time, however what must also concern him is his workforce’s tendency to hit cold and warm photographs. If ATKMB might replicate their efficiency towards Odisha within the qualifier as soon as once more, they could stroll away with a win. Ferrando is keen to manage the ball in midfield, particularly with Hyderabad’s skill in fast transitions. Carl McHugh and Puitea paired up for the primary time at middle and so they have been wonderful towards Odisha, which might lead to a replay. For 2 groups that assault loads on the wings, midfield management might make all of the distinction.

The shortage of Aashique Kuruniyan (and presumably Vishal Kaith and Brendan Hamill) might require some adjustment, and Liston Colaco is prone to begin early on, however Ferrando has all of the weapons he wants to tug off a win. Whether or not his workforce has a need to offer ammunition for mentioned weapons is one other matter totally.

What has been mentioned?

Manolo Marquez, Head Coach of Hyderabad FC:

“Final season, we had an excellent marketing campaign and had an opportunity to win the Defend. We have been a bit unfortunate, however then we gained the ISL title. We have been clinicians again then and can look to copy.” “Similar type this season to succeed in the ultimate. Something can occur within the knockout rounds. ATK Mohun Bagan has higher momentum than after they performed us in Hyderabad, however we’re additionally an excellent workforce, and we’re a really troublesome workforce to beat.” defeat.”

Juan Ferrando, head coach of ATK Mohun Bagan:

“Our plan is all the time the identical, the workforce will attempt to deal with the assault and management the areas, it’s the similar for the semi-final and even the ultimate. Sure, it’s vital to manage the transitions towards Hyderabad FC as a result of everybody is aware of what ( Mohammad) Yasir, (Akash) Mishra or Joel (Chianese) are able to doing it, however our strategy is identical on a regular basis, attempt to preserve the ball, construct progress, be in the appropriate place to assault, management house … and tempo. This is identical plan all through the season and a few particulars could change, however we is not going to change all the plan.”