Delhi Dynamos host FC Pune City in an all important tie of the Hero Indian Super League in Delhi on Thursday, as both team look to cement their place for the semifinals.
Fourth placed Delhi Dynamos will look to extend their four match unbeaten run against third placed FC Pune City, who themselves will eye a victory over Delhi Dynamos to put an end to four match winless streak.
The Lions have struggled for goals in the ISL but coach Roberto Carlos is willing to back his safety first approach that saw Atletico de Kolkata nick the crown last season. Carlos was quoted saying to media that he is happy to wait but will definitely be anxious about their goal scoring record.
a The goals will come at the right time.
a I would have been more worried if we were not performing at all. We have to get on the pitch tomorrow against FC Pune City to win the game. My team is doing the best to win.a
Delhi Dynamos may not scored many goals but they have kept a solid backline and have conceded very few and the defender will again have to be at their very best if they are to contain FC Pune City, who boast of squad filled with attacking talents. FC Pune City may be third on the standings but theya re level on points with the Lions and are ahead only due to a better goal difference and the Stallions manager David Platt was happy to point it out during the pre match press conference.
a Delhi may not have scored a lot of goals but they have won considerable points. Their defensive record is better than the other teams and they are difficult to break down. They are very settled team, not too much of rotation.a
FC Pune City have a poor away record this season with two draws and two loss but will hoping to turn a page in their fortune against the side from the capital.
a I dona t think playing away is a huge factor how we perform. I dona t look at it as a concern, these four games. I just look at it as another game against another opposition. We can win matches between now and the end of the season, so there is no concern,a said Platt.
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a Every single club has been through a patch where they faced problems. Ourselves and Delhi since the start of the season have been in the top four. Thata s our immediate target,a said Platt.
Platt was quick to disregard that the match would be crucial in deciding their fortunes and insisted on that other clubs would happy to swap their position with them.
a I wouldna t look at this as crucial. We are all very well blessed (at the moment) as majority of our players are available.a
Image Courtesy: ISL Media