V
Delhi Dynamos FC
Balewadi Stadium, Pune
14th October, 2015
***
Delhi Dynamos FC are yet to display the fine form that almost saw them make the play-offs last year, while FC Pune City will be looking to extend their perfect run with a third win in three outings. A difficult match awaits the capital side as they travel to FC Pune City, who are sitting high and handsome on top of the table.
Team News And Tactical Brief :
FC Pune City
David Platt’s side team have made the ideal start to their campaign, with two wins in their two games so far. Platt did make a few changes to the side that beat Mumbai City FC, as Tuncay, the star of the show, was rested against North East FC. Marquee signing Mutu who still doesn’t look a hundred percent fit started against the Guwahati based side. Both Mutu and Tuncay are expected to spearhead the FC Pune City line up against the Delhi Dynamos.
Gurung, who was excellent against Mumbai City FC, didn’t have a great outing against North East FC, but is expected to start in front of skipper Didier Zakora. FC Pune City will employ a 4-1-3-2 formation with the captain sitting in front of the back four and Mutu and Tuncay starting up-front for the first time. Didier Zakora has played a sweeping role in both games so far but perhaps the defense requires more protection as they were exploited on quite a few occasions. Tuncay’s movement stretches and FC Pune City almost park their defense on the half way line, giving the opponent an opportunity to run in behind.
Probable starting line up (4-1-3-2): Bhattacharya, Johnson, Shorey, Ravanan, Gurginder, Zakora, Gurung, Rodrigues, Bailey, Tuncay, Mutu
Delhi Dynamos :
Roberto Carlos’ team picked up three crucial points against Chennayin FC as Chicao’s penalty sinked Marco Materazzi’s men. Roberto Carlos made two changes to the side that was beaten 2-0 by FC Goa as Anwar Ali and Vinicius were replaced by Anas Edathodika and Gustavo Dos Santos. Gustavo tormented the Chennnayin defense and is expected to start against Pune City FC. Malouda showed some neat touches, but is yet to display his genius on the ISL stage.
Delhi will employ a 4-5-1 formation that helped them sink Chennayin and it looks to be their best line-up. Gadze will lead the line and the Ghana striker is rearing to score a goal. John Arne Riise was the man of the match last time out, and with him at the heart of the defense, the back line looks rock solid. The capital side have the most exciting midfield in the country with skipper Mudler and Chicao, both in good nick. Malsawmatulanga, the Mizoram midfielder looks good in the middle of the park, but needs to do a lot more if he has to maintain his spot in the starting eleven. But all eyes will be on John Arne Riise and people will be licking their lips at the prospect of watching the former Liverpool man play.
Probable starting line-up (4-5-1):Ghosh, Riise, Chicao, Edathodika, Ralte, Mulder, Malouda, Gustavo, Malsawmatulanga, Chakraborty, Gadze
Prediction :
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FC Pune City 2-1 Delhi Dynamos FC :
The home side are going strong at the moment, high on confidence and sharp on the field. The Capital side on the other hand, have won one and lost one so far, and still look blunt at times. Although it would be a tough encounter, we expect the hosts to win by a narrow margin. Pune City FC’s defense can be exploited by the visitors, and we expect them to get on the score sheet. But the home team has enough fire power to overcome Roberto Carlos’ men on paper, as well as on confidence.