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After defeating an out of sorts Mumbai City FC 4-1, Delhi Dynamos face a stern test at home against Atletico de Kolkata. With 13 points from 11 games, the Dynamos are again in a must-win scenario. Success would offer them a lifeline to revive their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) campaign and make the cut for the semi-finals by finishing in the top 4.
Coach Harm van Veldhoven is likely to stick with the same winning formula and make few changes. The Dutchman's gamble to deploy Francis Fernandes as a false-nine alongside Gustavo dos Santos has worked wonders, as Delhi have banked on the performance of their prolific talents.
With Hans Mulder dominating and pulling strings in the midfield, Delhi have impressed their loyal fans with an attacking brand of football, often relying on fast-hitting counters. The defence has been resolute even in the absence of stalwart Wim Raymaekers due to injury, and Anwar Ali and Stijn Houben have been solid at the heart of the defence.
However, one of the most noticeable absentees in Veldhoven's winning formula has been marquee player Alessandro Del Piero. The legendary Italian has been putting in sluggish performances in the ISL and with Delhi at the bottom of the table, Veldhoven's decision to drop the former Juventus man seems to be a blessing in disguise.
Meanwhile, Atletico de Kolkata have their own army of superstars in former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia and Fikru Teferra. Delhi Dynamos would certainly look to draw inspiration and confidence from their last encounter against the Sourav Ganguly co-owned side, where a Pavel Elias stunner secured a point for the Dynamos at the Salt Lake Stadium.
It’s now or never, for the Dynamos against Atlético de Kolkata, considering their final two fixtures are away against FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC. This is when they need to give their all and make their last home game count.
