ISL: Delhi Dynamos vs Northeast United - Preview and Prediction
The Indian Super League will head back to the capital for the second time in a span of four days where the Delhi Dynamos will take on Northeast United at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here in New Delhi.
Harm van Veldhoven will look to build a winning streak with the second consecutive home fixture (after a successful 4-1 mauling of Chennaiyin FC) against Ricki Herbert's side, who also won their previous game in Mumbai.
Venue and Kickoff
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Capacity: 60,000
Kickoff: 29th October – 7:00 PM IST
Probable Line-Ups and Team News
Delhi Dynamos: Van Veldhoven has expressed his admiration for his squad and looks set to continue with his attacking methods. Short passes were sometimes mixed with inch perfect balls on the right hand channel in the last game which split open defences on a regular basis.
The impeccable pairing of Mulder and Bruno has earned much praise from their coach. The Belgian-Dutch coach admittedly prefers the wing pairing of Shylo and Steven Dias over the one where the Mizo was deployed with Francis Fernandes. Delhi’s first goal scorer Pavel Elias looks to be out with a shoulder injury and will be doubtful. It will be interesting to see whether Alessandro Del Piero will start a second game in four days.
Northeast United: The highlanders are more likely to play on the break in their second successive away game. It will be interesting to see whether Ricki Herbert tinkers with the winning combination. Joan Capdevilla is a doubt and a last minute call on his fitness on Wednesday will determine his role in this game.
Key Battles
K Mtonga vs Hans Mulder: This will be an exciting battle when two of the best performing midfielders will go head-to-head for supremacy. Both have been solid and it's more likely that this battle will mostly take place in NorthEast United's half.
Steven Dias vs Joan Capdevila: Even though NorthEast United’s manager has not confirmed the Spaniard's presence, it is imperative that he will start at Left Back. Dias' lack of pace will give Capdevila an easy game unless the Indian right winger uses his in-game intelligence to the fullest. Mats Junker will hope for enough crosses for him to add to his one goal tally.
Mama vs A Khongjee: Shylo has been a constant threat from the left wing with his composure on the ball matched with a decent pace. This will be a very good test for Meghalayan right back as the Mizo winger has been getting ever closer to scoring.
Koke vs Wim Raymaekers: In situations where Delhi may over-commit, the Spaniard would look to take advantage of the space offered to him. Raymaekers will have reason to believe that he has enough in his locker to safely lead the defensive line.
Prediction
Delhi Dynamos 3-0 Northeast United