Hyderabad face stern Bengaluru test in ISL

Hyderabad: Defending champions Bengaluru FC will look to continue their unbeaten run when they go up against new entrants Hyderabad FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match here on Thursday.
After registering three draws in their first three matches, Carles Cuadrat’s men defeated rivals Chennaiyin FC 3-0 and Kerala Blasters 1-0 to get their title defence back on track. Up next for them is a struggling Hyderabad side away from home, a proposition Cuadrat believes will not be easy. Phil Brown’s side is at the bottom of the standings with three points from five matches, which includes one win and four defeats so far. “Hyderabad need the points, so it’s going to be a tough game for us. Especially after you lose a game in the manner that they did, you want to come back from it and be focused so they are going to be better than they were before,” said Cuadrat said ahead of the game. His opposite number Phil Brown did admit that Hyderabad were feeling the pressure but trusts his team to perform. “We do not deserve to be where we are in the league table. However, if we keep on working hard and put honest performances, things will change. We are feeling the pressure as we are 10th. But all I can ask is that the boys give their 100 per cent while they are representing the club,” said Brown. The game against the Blues will be Hyderabad’s most difficult yet, considering both teams’ defensive records. The unbeaten Bengaluru side has conceded just one goal in the sixth season of ISL. (PTI)