Odisha FC vs Hyderabad FC Prediction: Hyderabad are sitting at bottom

Odisha FC will welcome Hyderabad FC in Gameweek 10 of the Indian Super League at Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar. Hyderabad are sitting at the bottom of the table without a win in the league. Who will win? 

Odisha FC currently trails league leaders FC Goa by six points, with both teams having played eight matches. While Sergio Lobera has experienced success on the continental front, he is eager to narrow the gap to FC Goa and contend for domestic titles. Lobera, with a track record of winning the Super Cup with FC Goa and achieving domestic doubles with Mumbai City FC, understands the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the season. Unlike his previous campaigns, Odisha FC finds itself in the fifth position after eight games, making it crucial for them to minimize the gap with FC Goa and avoid further setbacks.

The upcoming match against struggling Hyderabad FC is deemed as one of those critical encounters where dropping points is not an option. Despite Lobera's emphasis on defensive solidity, the team has conceded nine goals in the second half of matches this season, indicating a need to address issues in holding on to leads. Rectifying this defensive vulnerability can contribute to more consistent performances in the top-tier competition.

Amrinder Singh; Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Narender Gahlot, Jerry Lalrinzuala; Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, CY Goodard, Isak Vanlalruatfela; Roy Krishna

Having initiated this transitional season with four draws and five losses, Hyderabad FC faces a challenging start. Nevertheless, with 13 games remaining, there is ample opportunity for a turnaround, and Thangboi Singto should persist in instilling positivity within his players to facilitate upward movement in the league standings.

Securing a victory is paramount to reinvigorating the team's morale and fostering a commitment to improved performance. Amidst challenges, simplifying the process and focusing on incremental progress can be the key to unravelling complexities. Instead of projecting too far into the future, Hyderabad FC should concentrate on identifying vulnerabilities in the Odisha FC system and capitalize on them strategically.

One notable weakness is Odisha FC's tendency to lose control of the game after making initial progress. To exploit this, Singto may consider impactful substitutions as a tactical approach. It is imperative to ensure that the team maintains momentum, particularly in the final 30 minutes, with creative players like Mohammad Yasir and Joe Knowles seeking innovative ways to breach the Odisha FC defensive unit.

Gurmeet Singh; Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Manoj Mohammed; Sahil Tavora, João Victor; Mohammad Yasir, Petteri Pennanen, Abdul Rabeeh; Joe Knowles

Hyderabad continues to grapple with challenges, finding themselves at the bottom of the table with only four points in the current season. Odisha, aspiring to surpass Mumbai City and Mohun Bagan, sees a fixture against the struggling Hyderabad as an ideal opportunity to advance. Despite historical challenges against Hyderabad, Odisha is anticipated to secure a comfortable victory.