ISL Fantasy 2017: Tips for Delhi Dynamos FC vs NorthEast United FC
Match 14 of ISL 2017 sees the Delhi Dynamos take on NorthEast United FC in their first home match of the season. Both teams are coming off the backs of heavy defeats in their previous games and while Delhi have been good going forward, NorthEast United are yet to score a goal so far this season.
With a number of star players on both sides, here's who you can pick for your fantasy team!
Goalkeeper
Albino Gomes: Albino Gomes is yet to keep a clean sheet in ISL 2017 but has been decent so far, making eight saves in the first two matches. Only two other keepers in the league have made more saves. Moreover, with NorthEast United struggling for goals, Albino has a decent chance for his first clean sheet of this campaign.
Defenders
Pritam Kotal: The 24-year-old’s speed and crossing mean he is always a threat to the opposition. Kotal has already provided an assist in the campaign and has built up a decent partnership with Guyon Fernandes on the right-hand side for Delhi.
Nirmal Chettri: The Bhaicung Bhutia Soccer School-product has impressed with his rugged defensive performances so far. Nirmal has attempted 13 tackles, the most by a NorthEast United defender. His ability to get up and down the flanks means he can also pop up with attacking returns.
Julio Goncalves: The Portuguese defender has been decent so far for NorthEast United, leading the defence. He has bailed out his fellow defenders' mistakes by some fine last-ditch defending. The experienced defender has also been a threat on the set pieces due to his big frame. With Delhi conceding two set-piece goals against Bengaluru FC in their last match, Goncalves can take advantage of Delhi’s sloppy defending.
Midfielders
Vinit Rai: The youngster has been one of the stars of ISL 2017 so far with his positional awareness and all-round play. When Delhi start to build their play, he drops between the centre-backs and takes the responsibility of initiating Delhi’s attacks. The defensive midfielder’s 133 passes attempted is also the most by a Delhi Dynamos player.
Marcinho: The Brazilian has perhaps been the only bright spark in NorthEast United’s midfield and has arguably been the best NorthEast United player so far. He has attempted the most shots by a NorthEast United player and has also laid many chances for his teammates which have been squandered. Marcinho’s form and quality mean he will surely be involved if NorthEast United break their goal-scoring drought.
Lallianzuala Chhangte: The youngster was the only Delhi Dynamos player who was troubling the Bengaluru FC backline with his pace and direct running in the previous game. His efforts helped Delhi win a penalty when his blocked cross was deemed to be a handball. With NorthEast United’s suspect defence coming up next, Chhangte will fancy his chances of scoring.
Paulinho Dias: The defensive midfielder didn’t have the best of matches against Bengaluru FC but he showed his potential in the Delhi Dynamos' win against FC Pune City by scoring and assisting in the same match. The 29-year-old has hit the target with all of his three shots and has attempted seven tackles, which is the joint highest in the Delhi Dynamos squad.
Matias Mirabaje: The Uruguayan midfielder has impressed so far Delhi Dynamos with his work rate and his contribution going forward and without the ball. The 28-year-old has attempted five shots so far, the most by a Delhi player. Also, his tally of seven attempted tackles is also the joint highest in the Delhi Dynamos squad.
Forwards
Danilo: The Brazilian forward has shown glimpses of his undoubted potential but despite his best efforts he just hasn’t found the back of the net. The former Santos youth product is blessed with decent technique and is able to escape the attentions of the defenders with neat footwork. Given Delhi’s defensive struggles so far, Danilo will have a few opportunities to score his maiden ISL goal.
Kalu Uche: The Nigerian opened his ISL 2017 account with a well-taken penalty against Bengaluru FC and the consolation goal was certainly a reward for Uche, who had worked hard and got into some decent positions. With NorthEast United’s defence struggling in their last away match and Delhi Dynamos playing at home and expected to go on the attack Kalu Uche is a good bet to add to his tally.