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In the first encounter of game week 9, the bottom placed Delhi Dynamos FC will host Kerala Blasters FC in their fourth home game of ISL 2017/18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Both sides have managed to win just one of their eight games this season. However, Delhi have failed to win at home while Kerala Blasters are still searching for their first away victory.
Delhi have finally broken their six-game losing streak with a draw in their last match on Sunday against Chennaiyin FC. However, they have failed to get a single point out of their three home games this season and will look to turn things around quickly.
On the other side, Kerala Blasters are struggling to get going even after playing six of their first eight games at home. They have played just two games away from home and have managed to get just one point from those fixtures.
Historically, Delhi Dynamos are one of the few teams which have always had an upper hand on two time runners-up Kerala Blasters. Delhi have defeated the Kochi based franchise three times in comparison to two wins by Kerala, while three encounters ended up in draws.
Delhi Dynamos FC
Delhi Dynamos head coach Miguel Portugal seems to be quite optimistic after their performance against Chennaiyin FC. He believes that his boys have played well and their performance in the last game will be a confidence booster for his side. The Spaniard is quite aware of Kerala’s defensive prowess and he is hoping for a favourable result tonight.
With Mirabaje coming back from suspension, we are expecting Mirabaje, Guyon Fernandez and Cichero to replace Moya, Lumu and Vinit in the starting XI. Portugal is expected to field his side in 4-1-4-1 formation to use the flanks to great effect against the strong Kerala defence.
Delhi Dynamos FC probable starting XI: Xabier, Pritam, Cichero, Pratik, Sekar, Paulinho, Mirabaje, Romeo, Chhagte, Ngaihte, Fernandez.
Kerala Blasters FC
Coming to New Delhi at the back of a home draw against the strong FC Pune City side, this is going to be the first real test for Blasters' new head coach, David James.
After sharing points in their previous away fixture against Chennaiyin FC, the Yellow Army will aim to register the first away win of the season. With Lekic-Pesic coming back from suspension, we expect him and CK Vineeth to replace Iain Hume and Jackichand in the starting XI.
The Englishman is most likely to continue the 4-2-3-1 formation, which can easily transform into 4-1-4-1 to counter the Delhi setup.
Kerala Blasters FC probable starting XI: Subhasish, Anto, Jhingan, Lekic-Pesic, Lalrutthara, Wes Brown, Hanghal, Pekuson, Vineeth, Berbatov, Sifneos.
Prediction
Delhi Dynamos FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC
After a 7-game win-less streak, we are expecting Delhi Dynamos FC to get back to winning ways tonight against the Yellow Army. However, scoring goals is not going to be easy against the strong Kerala defence.
