Young Hyderabad gunning to take on East Bengal FC

After a tough trip to Salt Lake in the last round, Hyderabad FC take on another Kolkata side in East Bengal FC this weekend.

The Nawabs welcome the Red and Gold Brigade to the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli for what will be an exciting Indian Super League clash on Saturday, February 17.

With just four points so far to their name, Hyderabad will look for a positive result and buy some confidence, heading into the business end of the campaign.

But they take on an East Bengal side that are fresh from lifting the Super Cup in January. Carles Cuadrat’s side faced narrow defeats in the last two league games. But they have been a side that have proven hard to beat this season.

Cleiton Silva, who is back from a suspension, will be the danger man for Hyderabad. He has already netted two free-kicks and four goals in total in all competitions against the Nawabs.

Nandakumar and VP Suhair will hope to add creativity on the flanks in the absence of Naorem Mahesh Singh, who is out suspended.

East Bengal will also miss the services of Lalchungnunga, who is suspended. Saul Crespo and Pardo are also unavailale, nursing injuries.

Hyderabad have a bunch of youngsters brimming with confidence, searching for their first win.

The likes of Makan Chothe, Ramhlunchhunga, Abdul Rabeeh and Mark Zothanpuia have all impressed the fans so far this season. At the back, Gurmeet Singh, Alex Saji and Muhammed Rafi have been solid but unlucky to not have a clean sheet to their name yet.

However, they need to start converting chances and testing the goalkeeper, to have any shot at a positive result in this game.

Hyderabad will miss the services of Manoj Mohammad and Aaren D’Silva both of who are out with knee injuries.

The game kicks off at 7:30 pm IST on Saturday, February 17.