ISL 2015: Atletico de Kolkata vs Delhi Dynamos - Preview, Live stream & TV channel info, Team News, Prediction
Defending Champions Atletico de Kolkata will play their second home game of the season against Delhi Dynamos at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Kolkata team won their first home game against Kerala Blasters but have won just two out of their five games.
Both sides will be looking for a win after losing their last game, Atletico losing to NorthEast United while Delhi Dynamos lost to Mumbai City FC. The home side are sixth in the points table with seven points while the away side are sitting just two points above them.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: Star Sports 2 & 3, Star Sports HD2 & HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: Tuesday, 13 October 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Team News
Atletico de Kolkata are without their marquee signing Helder Postiga who will return to India in seven days, according to manager Antonio Habas. Star defender Josemi is also out after he sustained a left knee injury. Arata Izumi, who has two goals so far in the tournament, missed their last game against NorthEast United FC, and there is a slight chance he might feature tomorrow.
Atletico are expected to go unchanged from their last game, which means Canadian striker Iain Hume starts up front with Javi Lara and Baljit Sahni on the wings. The back four is expected to remain the same with Tiri and Arnab Mondal playing at the heart of the defence with Rino Anto and Augustin Fernandes playing as full-backs. Skipper Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato are expected to start in the middle of the pitch.
Ateltico de Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Amrinder, Anto, Tiri, Josemi, Augustin, Nato, Borja, Baljit, Gavilan, Lara, Hume
Delhi Dynamos have their marquee signing Roberto Carlos fit again to play and is expected to feature at some point. The return of Chicao in the last game saw John Arne Riise playing at left back and he might once against play there.
Anas Edathodika is expected to pair up with Chicao in the defence, with Souvik starting at right back. Skipper Hans Mulder and Sehnaj are expected to start in the heart of the midfield while Robin Singh and Florent Malouda will start up front.
Delhi Dynamos (4-4-2): Doblas, Souvik, Edathodika, Chicao, Riise, Sehnaj, Mulder, Francis, Santos, Malouda, Robin
Key Battles
Iain Hume vs Anas Edathodika
Iain Hume is yet to score his first goal for the defending champions, and must be desperate to open his account after scoring five goals for Kerala Blasters last season. In the absence of Helder Postiga, Atletico de Kolkata boss has put his faith on Iain Hume to get the goals and he might give Edathodika a hard time with his tireless running and trickery on the ball. Edathodika has done very well for the Delhi Dynamos this season, and will be looking to continue his good form against the experienced Iain Hume.
Florent Malouda vs Tiri
Malouda has been one of the best performers for the Delhi Dynamos this season. The Frenchman has the ability to score goals on his own while he can also create chances for others. Atletico Madrid youth product Tiri, who has been starting in the absence of Josemi, will face a daunting task to stop the former Chelsea star. Malouda has two assists so far in the tournament and must be itching to score his first goal for the Delhi Dynamos.
Prediction
Atletico de Kolkata have struggled to create clear cut goal scoring chances this season, and in the absence of so many players due to injury Delhi Dynamos might have an upper hand in the game. Delhi Dynamos also had extra days of rest than their opponents which could prove to be a key factor.
Predicted score: Atletico de Kolkata 0-2 Delhi Dynamos