Chennaiyin, Hyderabad desperate for a win

The two teams would hope to bring an end to a common problem - finishing up top. Chennaiyin has been one of the most entertaining sides this season, creating plenty of chances while threatening the opposition goal. Csaba Laszlo’s men have created 93 chances and registered an average of 14.6 shots per game.

However, CFC’s wastefulness in front of goal has let it down time and again. In its eight games so far, Chennaiyin has blanked four times and has the second-worst goal conversion rate, highlighting its struggles. Striker Jakub Sylvestr and Lallianzuala Chhangte, in particular, have been guilty of wasting chances.

But despite the struggles, Laszlo believes that it is just a matter of time before the CFC forward line begins firing. “Football is a psychological game,” said Laszlo. “Both physical and mental aspects are important. Last season, we had someone – Nerijus Valskis – who scored many goals. He isn’t with us now.  

“So, you automatically put the pressure without knowing the other players. It is not that we can’t stabilise this. But, it is a process. There are a few players who are coming to ISL for the first time. The pressure is on them,” added Laszlo in the pre-match presser.

Just like Chennaiyin, Hyderabad has netted seven goals, with only Odisha FC (OFC) scoring less. Defensively, individual errors have cost it, with HFC failing to register a clean sheet in its last six games. “CFC is a dangerous team with a lot of good players,” said Hyderabad head coach Manolo Marquez.

“It has offensive players. The side is dangerous in set-pieces. It not only has tall players like Enes Sipovic and Eli Sabia but also players like Sylvestr, Rahim Ali and Deepak Tangri who arrive in the box. Anirudh Thapa is another good player,” he added. “I think that Chennaiyin and Hyderabad deserve more points than what we have on the table.”