ISL: Delhi Dynamos vs FC Goa Preview - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction
Delhi Dynamos kick start their second half of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League with two home games in quick succession – first of which is against the only team which lies below them in the league table. Both the coaches would’ve preferred to fair better in the opening 7 games but all isn’t lost because a winning streak for either could fire them up to the top 4.
Harm Van Veldhoven will desperately wish for his team to capitalize on the chances which were abundant in all of Delhi Dynamos’ previous matches. Both Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa, come off goalless draws against Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City F.C, respecitvely.
Hence, tomorrow’s game seems like the sort of game which would spur them on for the rest of the campaign.
Venue And Kick Off
Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host Delhi Dynamos’ 4th home game. An ever-growing home support would go a long way in aiding Harm Van Veldhoven’s team since the Belgian-Dutch manager is banned from the touchline for this one. Even though this is one of the most narrow pitch in the whole league, Delhi Dynamos have done well with their wings. The 60000 seater has never been full till now and the previous trend of a half full stadium is on the cards.
Probable Line-Ups
It will be interesting to see Harm Van Veldhoven’s team rotation for this fixture considering its glaring importance. Del Piero’s questionable fitness and the failure to score a goal has caused a considerable amount of concern for the proponents of this north Indian outfit. Delhi goalkeeper Kristof Van Hout and the back four will pick itself up as Goan lad Adil Khan will continue his stint at the right back position while Wim Raymaekers will partner Anwar Ali in the centre.
Shouvik Gosh will continue his decent form on the left back. The Centre of the midfield with Bruno and Mulder will compliment Mama and Steven Dias on the wings. Shylo’s recent dip in form will be another aspect for himself and the coach to work on. Del Piero and Junker look likely to start up front in this.
Likewise, for FC Goa, the goalkeeper and the back four will be unchanged. This has been a good learning curve for Narayan Das and the 21 year old will be looking to make a mark on his career with this tournament. Debabrata Roy, Gregory and the Frenchman Youssuf will comprise the rest of the defence.
The choice of midfield will be interesting considering Pires’ limited influence on the Goan attacks. Jewel Raja being another product of the Pailan Arrows set up will look to impress in the stadium where he has had a decent run for the Indian national team alongiwth the veteran left winger-Clifford Miranda. Tolgay will lead the line up front hoping to use Pires’ craft in the midfield for penetration.
Key Battles
Anwar Ali Vs Tolgay
The defender from Punjab was at fault for Jewel Raja’s goal in the previous match between these two teams and he will look to make up for that by contributing to a much needed victory for Delhi Dynamos. This will be a familiar situation for both the players since they have faced each other on multiple occasions before in the I-league.
Robert Pires vs Hans Mulder
If the frenchman plays any part for the goan outfit, he’ll have to put in his best performance so far to get anything against the Dutch-Spanish defensive midfielder. This could be crucial for the home side to keep a clean sheet, given that a repeat of the previous individual errors doesn’t take place.
Mats Junker Vs Gregory
The Danish forward capitalized on the collective defensive failures of the Goan outfit in their previous meeting to score Delhi’s only goal in the game. Steven Dias’ crosses will have to be dealt by the Frenchman, if they’re allowed in the first place.
Prediction
Delhi Dynamos know that this is a must win game for them and cannot afford to drop anymore points. A close 2-1 win will do the trick for Harm’s side.