After enduring a difficult season that saw them finish bottom of the standings, Hyderabad FC is determined to put the disappointments behind them as the new Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign gets underway. Despite a promising start under new leadership last year, Thangboi Singto’s men struggled to build any significant momentum, managing just one victory and ending up in last place.
This season marks a fresh beginning for the club as they look to translate their positive performances into results. While the team faced multiple setbacks last year, including key player exits and reliance on inexperienced talents, there were flashes of potential, and now Hyderabad FC will seek to capitalize on that.
Hyderabad FC’s journey in the ISL has seen various highs and lows. In the 2019-20 season, they ended up at the bottom of the table, finishing 10th. The following year, they improved significantly, securing 5th place and narrowly missing out on the playoffs. The 2021-22 season was a standout, with the team finishing 2nd and clinching the ISL Cup. They maintained a strong position the next year, finishing 2nd again but falling in the semi-finals on penalties. Last season, however, was a setback as Hyderabad FC struggled throughout and ended the campaign in 12th place, marking a disappointing end to a challenging year.
Summer Transfer Window: Team Composition and Transfer Dealings
Hyderabad FC has undergone yet another overhaul, with several core players from last season either leaving permanently or heading out on loan. The team will now be heavily reliant on fresh faces and younger talents to make an impact. The challenge for Singto and his staff will be how quickly these new players adapt to the rigors of ISL football.
Key Transfers Out
- Sahil Tavora (Joined FC Goa)
- Laxmikant Kattimani (Joined FC Goa)
- Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (Joined Chennaiyin FC)
- Mohammad Yasir (Joined FC Goa)
- Mark Zothanpuia (Joined East Bengal FC)
Hyderabad FC Strengths
Young Talent: Despite a disappointing finish last season, Hyderabad FC unearthed several exciting young players. These emerging talents, like Abdul Rabeeh, gained invaluable experience, and their youthful exuberance will be key as the team looks to press forward this season.
Solid Defensive Options: The likes of Alex Saji have bolstered the team’s backline, which showed resilience even when results were hard to come by. Saji’s development into a key figure in defense provides a solid foundation for Singto’s side.
Attacking Potential: While the team struggled to score, they created a significant number of chances, ranking among the top five in successful passes and opportunities created in the previous campaign. This shows that Hyderabad FC can control possession and unlock defenses—factors that will be vital if they can improve their finishing.
Hyderabad FC Weaknesses
Inability to Convert Chances: Hyderabad’s Achilles’ heel last season was their inability to capitalize on the numerous chances they created. They not only had the lowest goal tally in the league, but their overall efficiency in front of goal was lacking. This will need drastic improvement for the team to rise up the standings.
Player Departures: The club has once again seen a mass exodus of key players, including seasoned pros like Laxmikant Kattimani and Sahil Tavora. Replacing this experience will be a challenge, particularly with the continued reliance on younger and less proven players.
Squad Depth: As last season demonstrated, Hyderabad’s squad lacks depth, especially with several key players having moved on. Injuries or suspensions could once again expose this weakness, especially during a grueling season where consistency is key.
Key Players to Watch
Abdul Rabeeh
A standout player during a difficult season, Rabeeh’s energy on the wings made him instrumental in Hyderabad’s attack.
Though he didn’t find the back of the net, his service and chance creation were crucial. He will be a major threat in wide areas, linking up with teammates to provide scoring opportunities.
Alex Saji
The versatile defender made significant progress last season, securing a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Saji’s growth, particularly in reading the game and leadership at the back, has made him a pivotal player in Hyderabad’s defense. With more experience under his belt, he is expected to be a key figure this season.
Hyderabad FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers:
- Aaryan Anjaneya
- Arshdeep Singh Saini
- Lalbiakhlua Jongte
Defenders:
- Alex Saji (C)
- Laldanmawia Hrangthankima
- Leander D’Cunha
- Manoj Mohammed
- Mohammed Rafi
- Parag Satish Shrivas
- Soyal Joshy
- Vijay Marandi
Midfielders:
- Ramhlunchhunga
- Abdul Rabeeh Anjukandan
- Abijith PA
- Ayush Adhikari
- Isaac Vanmalsawma Chhakchhuak
- Lalchhanhima Sailo
- Lenny Rodrigues
- Rashid Madambillath
Forwards:
- Amon Lepcha
- Aron Vanlalrinchhana
- Cy Stephen Goddard
- Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar
- Joseph Sunny
- Sourav K
Predicted Starting XI
With several departures and new faces in the squad, Hyderabad FC’s starting lineup will have a fresh look this season. Below is the predicted starting XI based on player availability and recent performances.
Hyderabad FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers:
- Aaryan Anjaneya
- Arshdeep Singh Saini
- Lalbiakhlua Jongte
Defenders:
- Alex Saji (C)
- Laldanmawia Hrangthankima
- Leander D’Cunha
- Manoj Mohammed
- Mohammed Rafi
- Parag Satish Shrivas
- Soyal Joshy
- Vijay Marandi
Midfielders:
- Ramhlunchhunga
- Abdul Rabeeh Anjukandan
- Abijith PA
- Ayush Adhikari
- Isaac Vanmalsawma Chhakchhuak
- Lalchhanhima Sailo
- Lenny Rodrigues
- Rashid Madambillath
Forwards:
- Amon Lepcha
- Aron Vanlalrinchhana
- Cy Stephen Goddard
- Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar
- Joseph Sunny
- Sourav K
Predicted XI for ISL 2024-25
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Arshdeep Singh Saini
- Defenders: Alex Saji (C), Leander D’Cunha, Mohammed Rafi, Vijay Marandi
- Midfielders: Ramhlunchhunga, Lenny Rodrigues, Isaac Vanmalsawma Chhakchhuak
- Forwards: Cy Goddard, Abdul Rabeeh Anjukandan, Lalchhanhima Sailo
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Hyderabad FC’s 2024-25 ISL season kicks off with a tricky away fixture against Bengaluru FC. The early part of the campaign looks challenging, with four of their opening five matches being played on the road. Their first home game is scheduled against Chennaiyin FC, offering them a chance to make an impression in front of their own supporters. To cap off the calendar year, Hyderabad will host East Bengal FC in what promises to be an exciting contest.
While last season was far from ideal, Hyderabad FC is a team capable of making an impact this year. With young talents gaining experience, a defense that has shown promise, and an attack ready to convert more of the chances created, Singto’s side could very well surprise a few teams. However, the challenge lies in overcoming the same issues that plagued them last year—most notably, the lack of goals and squad depth. Should they address these weaknesses, Hyderabad FC could see themselves climbing back up the ISL standings.
Read More: ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Team Preview: Full Squad, Key Players, New Signings, Strengths and Weaknesses
When is Hyderabad FC’s first match of the ISL 2024-25 season?
Hyderabad FC’s 2024-25 ISL season kicks off with a tricky away fixture against Bengaluru FC on Thursday, 19th September from 7:30 pm (IST) onwards.
