NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC Match Prediction | 8th Jan | ISL 2020-21

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC: Preview

Kick-off time: 7.30 P.M India Time

NorthEast United await a clash with the Nizams Hyderabad FC as a win here could take both the teams into the top four.

NorthEast United were struck by a classical ATK Mohun Bagan performance and they could barely do anything about it. On the contrary, Hyderabad FC finally came on top and put an end to their losing streak by an impressive 1-4 thumping over Chennaiyin FC.

The Highlanders haven't won a single game since defeating SC East Bengal last month, and since then, they have fired only four goals in five games. Signs of worry are evident and against a side like Hyderabad, who have the momentum after an impressive win over Chennaiyin, the Highlanders may not win their upcoming game either.

The Nizams have done well under Manolo Marquez. They have been entertaining, and have made sure that the squad remains fit as Marquez hasn't changed much in his side lately.

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad: Head to Head

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad has been played twice before. Both the teams have won a game each, and that means this game would be the occasional tie-breaker.

Fact Check

NorthEast United have the record for most defeats in ISL.

Their loss against Hyderabad FC loss season is the second biggest away loss in the history of ISL.

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC: Team News

For the Highlanders, Kwesi Appiah remains a doubt. However, Gerard Nus still has several options to select from.

The Nizams will be without the services of Fran Sandaza and Nikhil Poojary due to respective injuries. Leaving the duo, Hyderabad have a fully fit squad too.

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC: Key Players

Kwesi Appiah (NorthEast United FC)

The foreign player has been NorthEast United's main man alongside Idrissa Sylla. He has fired three goals in eight matches. However, he is known for his decent conversion rate.

The Ghanaian would hope that he causes problems to the Hyderabad backline. The Highlanders tend to maintain pressure at the top and that is something Appiah could take advantage of.

Halicharan Narzary (Hyderabad FC)

The player from Assam has five goals in his entire ISL career. However, three of them have been scored by them this season.

His presence in the attacking areas would be a huge concern for the Highlanders as he complements Aridane Santana who is Hyderabad’s leader in the goalscoring charts.

His crossing abilities are phenomenal too and Hyderabad would hope that Narzary consistently whips in some lethal crosses to disrupt the NorthEast United backline.

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC: Prediction

NorthEast United vs Hyderabad FC is expected to go down the wire. Both the teams would want to take the three points at any cost. However, it will be more about how they execute their plans. 

The teams will have to maintain a nice balance between attack and defence and the team that manages both well on the day would temporarily make way into the top four.

Sportco predicts NorthEast United to win this game.