East Bengal vs Hyderabad Predictions

East Bengal will host Hyderabad at the Salt Lake Stadium on February 26, 2025, in a pivotal Indian Super League matchup as Round 19 brings together two teams with contrasting fortunes. East Bengal, under Óscar Bruzón, finished the 2024 ISL season with 36 points, placing 6th, and as of February 26, 2025, are projected to sit 8th with around 24 points from 18 matches, following a projected 1-1 draw against Punjab FC (Feb 22, 2025). Hyderabad, managed by Thangboi Singto, ended 2024 in 11th with 24 points and are projected to languish in 11th with approximately 18 points from 18 matches, coming off a projected 2-0 loss to Bengaluru FC (Feb 22, 2025). Our expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win East Bengal vs Hyderabad in this Indian Super League clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

East Bengal

• 2024 Record: 11W, 3D, 8L (36 points, 6th in ISL)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 1-1 draw vs. Punjab FC (Feb 22, 2025); 7W, 3D, 8L (24 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Home Form (2024): 7W, 1D, 3L (averaging 1.82 goals scored, 1.18 conceded)
  East Bengal have been inconsistent this season, with their projected 1-1 draw against Punjab marking their third draw in five league games (1W, 3D, 1L), following a 2-1 win over NorthEast United (Feb 17, 2025). As of February 26, 2025, they’re projected at 24 points from 18 matches, averaging 1.44 goals per game and conceding 1.39, reflecting a team struggling to convert chances despite a solid home record. At home in 2024, they averaged 1.82 goals per game, with Cleiton Silva (8 goals entering 2025) leading the attack, though defensive lapses and injuries to players like Lalchungnunga have impacted their consistency.

Hyderabad

• 2024 Record: 7W, 3D, 12L (24 points, 11th in ISL)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 2-0 loss vs. Bengaluru FC (Feb 22, 2025); 5W, 3D, 10L (18 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Away Form (2024): 3W, 2D, 6L (averaging 1.18 goals scored, 1.64 conceded)
  Hyderabad have endured a torrid campaign, with their projected 2-0 loss to Bengaluru marking their fifth defeat in six league games (1W, 0D, 5L), following a 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan SG (Feb 17, 2025). Projected at 18 points from 18 matches, they average 1.11 goals per game and concede 1.83, reflecting a team mired in the lower reaches of the table. On the road in 2024, they averaged 1.18 goals per game, with Devendra Murgaonkar (5 goals entering 2025) offering occasional threats, though their leaky defense has been a persistent Achilles’ heel.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Hyderabad 5W, East Bengal 4W, 4D (13 meetings since 2019)

• Recent Meetings:

  • Dec 28, 2024: Hyderabad 1-1 East Bengal (ISL)

  • Feb 10, 2024: East Bengal 2-1 Hyderabad (ISL)

  • Oct 21, 2023: Hyderabad 0-1 East Bengal (ISL)

  • Jan 20, 2023: East Bengal 0-2 Hyderabad (ISL)

  • Oct 9, 2022: Hyderabad 3-3 East Bengal (ISL)

• Key Trend: East Bengal have won 2 of the last 5 meetings; 3 of their last 5 H2Hs exceeded 2.5 goals.
  The head-to-head record is closely fought, with the most recent clash on December 28, 2024, ending in a 1-1 draw at Hyderabad, where Cleiton Silva’s goal was matched by a late equalizer. Games have averaged 2.4 goals in their last five encounters, with East Bengal unbeaten in their last two home league games against Hyderabad (1W, 1D), their last home loss to Hyderabad occurring in 2021 (3-1). The trend suggests a competitive, potentially high-scoring affair, with East Bengal’s home edge a factor.

Key Players to Watch

East Bengal

• Cleiton Silva (FWD): 8 goals in 2024/25; East Bengal’s top scorer and veteran leader.

• Naorem Mahesh Singh (MID): 4 goals, 4 assists; dynamic winger adding flair.

• Debjit Majumder (GK): 5 clean sheets; key in goal despite defensive inconsistencies.

Hyderabad

• Devendra Murgaonkar (FWD): 5 goals in 2024/25; Hyderabad’s leading scorer and primary threat.

• Sajad Parray (DEF): 2 goals, 2 assists; versatile defender contributing in attack.

• Lenny Rodrigues (GK): 3 clean sheets; experienced keeper amidst a struggling defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

East Bengal’s attacking 4-2-3-1 (1.44 goals per game) will test Hyderabad’s pragmatic 4-4-2 (1.11 goals per game). Silva’s finishing and Singh’s pace could exploit Hyderabad’s porous away defense (1.64 goals conceded per game), though injuries to Saul Crespo may limit their midfield control. Hyderabad’s counterattacking style, led by Murgaonkar’s movement and Parray’s overlapping runs, will challenge East Bengal’s backline (1.39 goals conceded per game), which has been shaky at times. East Bengal’s Hijazi Maher (doubtful, knock) and Hyderabad’s Alex Saji (out, injury) may shift lineups, with Salt Lake Stadium’s 66,000-strong crowd amplifying East Bengal’s edge.

Prediction: East Bengal vs Hyderabad

Our Prediction: Both Team to Score - yes