**Kochi, Nov 6 (IANS): Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC will both be looking to recover from recent defeats as they face off in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The two Southern rivals find themselves in a similar position, with both teams coming off losses—Kerala Blasters FC to Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Currently, Kerala Blasters sit 10th in the points table, while Hyderabad FC is in 11th, and both teams are eager to get their seasons back on track with a much-needed win.
In recent encounters, Kerala Blasters have the upper hand, winning three of their last four meetings with Hyderabad FC. However, they have yet to win three consecutive matches against Hyderabad at home, making this match an unprecedented opportunity for the Kochi-based club to make history. A win will undoubtedly boost the home fans, while Hyderabad FC will be aiming for points on the road after securing one win and one draw in their previous matches this season.
Kerala Blasters have been prolific at home, scoring in all of their last 14 ISL matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with at least two goals in eight of those encounters. However, their defense remains a concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 consecutive matches. This vulnerability has left them struggling to climb the table, and coach Mikael Stahre has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout the match. "We need to learn from crucial moments, avoid fouls, and stay composed until the final whistle," Stahre said.
Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, snapped a four-match losing streak away from home with an impressive 4-0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their last away fixture. This result has provided a boost in confidence for the team, and they will be hoping to replicate that form against Kerala Blasters. Defensive discipline has been a major issue for Hyderabad FC, as they have conceded at least one goal in seven of their last nine away matches, losing each of those games. The key to a successful outing against Kerala Blasters will be maintaining a solid defensive structure, as shown in their two away wins when they kept a clean sheet.
The two teams have met 11 times in the league, with Kerala Blasters winning six and Hyderabad FC winning four, while one match ended in a draw. The most notable meeting between the two came in the 2021-22 ISL final, where Hyderabad FC triumphed in a penalty shootout. Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto remains optimistic, acknowledging the tight competition in the points table. "Our target is to play the best football possible in every game. If we can't win, we need to at least secure a draw to climb the table," Singto stated.
Thursday’s match is set to be a crucial clash for both teams, and whoever can stay calm and execute their game plan will come out on top. A victory will be vital for both teams to build confidence as they look to push up the table.
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