Hyderabad aims to stem the rot against Jamshedpur

Hyderabad has had a disappointing campaign so far with just six points to show for in 16 matches. The team has managed just one win this season and that came 13 matches ago. HFC is in danger of having the worst campaign in ISL, a dubious record that is held by Chennaiyin FC, which managed to collect just nine points last season.

Jamshedpur’s plight might not be that drastic but the side has yet again failed to reach the play-offs. Placed seventh with 17 points from 16 matches, all it has left to play for is pride. Hyderabad’s interim coach Javier Lopez would want the host to display a bit of fight in its last home game of the season.

However, its defence will have to plug the leaks. Hyderabad has not kept a clean sheet so far and could finish without one. “This game is really important as it is our last home match. We want to win three points for our supporters and owners. The feeling inside the dressing room is very good,” said Spaniard Lopez.

The likes of Matthew Kilgallon and Adil Khan have toiled hard but without reward. Against a Jamshedpur attack which has Sergio Castel spearheading it, HFC will have its task cut out. JFC is on a four-game winless run and has conceded 12 goals during this period. Though Hyderabad has not been scoring goals galore, the likes of Marcelinho and Bobo are capable of troubling any defence on their day.

Antonio Iriondo will expect the likes of Noe Acosta and David Grande to offer support to Castel. “We want to win at any cost. We cannot get into the top four but our job is to play the best match possible,” said Iriondo. Jamshedpur is coming off a thrilling 3-3 draw against NorthEast United FC where it let slip a lead late in the game.