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Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa will battle it out in the opening encounter of the play-off places of the second edition of the Indian Super League. The duo have met twice this season, with Zico’s side getting the better of the Dynamos on both the occasions. The Gaurs finished the league phase in top spot, whereas Delhi Dynamos saw themselves drop to fourth following the defeat to Goa in the final game a few days back. The defeat also put a halt to the Delhi’s impressive unbeaten home run.
In an entertaining encounter when the two sides last met, Goa came back from 2-0 down to create ISL history as they became the first side to overcome a two goal deficit and win a game. The defeat raised more questions about the Dynamos defense who unlike the majority of the season have now started to leak goals - five in two games at home.
But despite getting the better of his compatriot on both occasions, Zico is not getting carried away with the result and believes it is these two games that would go on to define the season. “It has nothing to do (with these games). Every game is a story. It’s a completely different game and we just have to focus on the semi-final.”
The 62-year old saw his side succumb to defeat at the same stage last season at the hands of eventual champions Atletico de Kolkata and the former Japan national team coach will be looking to avoid a similar situation this time around.
Kick Off & Live Telecast
Live Telecast: StarSports 2 & 3, StarSports HD2 & HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: Friday, 11th December 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - Delhi
Live updates on Sportskeeda
Team News
Delhi Dynamos
Head coach Roberto Carlos confirmed that the Dynamos have an entire squad to choose from and that there are no injury worries going into this game. “Everyone is ready to try to perform well and decide the game in the next match.” The former Real Madrid full back could decide to opt for his preferred 4-3-3 line-up with the presence of Vinicus and Len in the wings, and Robin Singh upfront. The game could also see the return of Brazilian Chicao and goalkeeper Antonio Doblas, both of whom have been rested for the last two encounters.
FC Goa
Zico, like Carlos, has the whole armoury available for selection and is likely to welcome back the hero of the last game, Romeo Fernandes. Romeo came on from the bench to score twice against Delhi and open his ISL account for the season. He had started the previous game from the bench. Kattimani, Leo Moura, Gregory Arnolin, Raju Gaikwad could all feature in the playing XI, after being rested for the previous encounter.
Probable XI
Delhi Dynamos XI: Doblas; Adinga, Anas, Riise, Souvik; Mulder, Chicao, Malouda, Len, Vinicius, Robin
FC Goa XI: Kattimani, Gaikwad, Gregory, Lucio, Moura, Lucca, Romeo, Jofre, Haokip, Dudu, Reinaldo
Key Battles
Romeo Fernandes vs Chicao
Romeo finally opened his ISL account for the season with a two minute brace as he came on to destroy Delhi’s hopes of reaching top spot in the league. His cameo was enough to help the Goans reach the summit of the standings. The mistake for the Dynamos though could be pin pointed on the poor coordination between the defense and the midfield as Goa took advantage of the ample space provided to them. That has been the story of the season in the absence of Chicao.
The former Corinthians star has been the key man in the Dynamos midfield, and has held the defense and the midfield together with his fine and consistent performances throughout the season. In the absence of the Brazilian, Carlos’s men have conceded five goals. The midfielder not only brings experience to the side but also shores up gaps during the counter attacks.
The battle between the duo could prove to be an interesting one as Romeo has thrived on the space he has been provided this season, where as Chicao’s sole duty will be to act as a shield for his defense.
Malouda vs Lucio
The battle between the two famed stars could play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the game. Malouda has been the lynchpin of the Delhi attack with eight assists this season and has been the sole creative force for the Lions in the ISL so far. On the other end, Brazilian Lucio will have the tough task of stopping the Frenchman. The former Inter Milan defender has been the leader for Zico’s men at the back and his fine aerial ability as well as his dominating nature against the attackers could see him turn out to be a huge threat for the home side.
The Brazilian’s towering figure makes him a threat in the set pieces as well and his stature and experience of playing in pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate to rely upon ahead of such a nail-biting encounter. The onus will be on both the players for their respective sides as they come into this game with great experience and expectations of the supporters and the coaches. The former Chelsea winger has proved to be a handful for the defense with his defense splitting through balls and fine set pieces, which more or less makes up for the lack of pace he brings upfront.
Prediction
Zico’s men will come into this game high on confidence after their comeback win in the previous encounter. With the Delhi side leaking goals at the back, Goa could be going home with an advantage.
Delhi Dynamos 1-2 FC Goa
