ISL: NorthEast United FC vs Delhi Dynamos FC - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

NorthEast United FC take on Delhi Dynamos FC in an important home game today

NorthEast United FC will play their fifth home game in the ISL, against Delhi Dynamos FC tonight. Currently, both the teams are struggling at the bottom of the table. The last time these two teams met, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. NorthEast United have failed to register a victory in their last five games while Delhi Dynamos have so far won only one match out of the nine they've played. Both the teams are coming off the back of a defeat in their previous game.

While Delhi Dynamos are last in the table with seven points from nine games, United are just above the visitors with 10 points from nine games. A win would take either of the teams to a decent position from where qualifying for the semi-finals will remain a possibility. Both the teams will go for the win, so we can expect an exciting game tonight at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.

Venue and Kick-off time

November 24, 2014 – 7 pm (IST)

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

Possible starting line-ups

NorthEast United FC (4-1-3-2): Rehenesh TP; Robin Gurung, Aiborlal Khongjee, Miguel Garcia, Joan Capdevila, Kondwani Mtonga, Isaac Chansa, Felipe Castro, Koke, Alen Deory, Seminlen Doungel.

NorthEast United FC manager Ricki Herbert has changed his starting line-up in every game. His lone striker policy did not work well in the initial stages, so he opted for two strikers in the last match. Indian Super League’s youngest player Alen Deory has had an impressive run so far and is likely to stay in the first XI. Seminlen Doungel is likely to replace an unimpressive Durga Boro. Herbert will desperately want his attackers to perform well and get the team goals, so that they can break their 5 match winless streak.

Delhi Dynamos FC (4-4-2): Kristof van Hout, Naoba Singh, Wim Raymaekers, Anwar Ali, Souvik Ghosh, Francis Fernandes, Hans Mulder, Bruno Herrero Arias, Shylo Malsawmtluanga, Mads Junker, Alessandro Del Piero.

Delhi Dynamos coach Harm van Veldhoven did not field their marquee striker Alessandro Del Piero in their previous game against FC Goa, which they lost 1-4. Even though, Del Piero’s performances have been below average so far, his presence on the field means a lot to his team. Also, both Mads Junker and Martin Skuobo have been pretty inconsistent so far, so the coach might opt for Junker with Del Piero.

Likely formations of both the teams

Key Battles

Sergio Pardo vs Wim Raymaekers

Sergio Pardo or Koke, as he is popularly known, is the most dangerous attacker in the NorthEast unit. He has scored the majority of the goals scored by the team. Koke’s physical attributes, combined with his creativity are the key features of their attack. Wim Raymaekers will be the one looking to stop Koke's threat. Raymaekers has been one of the best foreign defenders in the Indian Super League and Van Veldhoven will depend on his Belgian defender to stop the Spanish attacker.

Koke is the most influential player in Northeast United FC’s strike-force

Alessandro Del Piero vs Joan Capdevila

Despite his age and poor form, Alessandro Del Piero is still the most formidable striker in the Delhi Dynamos outfit. His movement with the ball and his ability to create chances are the strengths Delhi Dynamos should look to utilize. Joan Capdevila will be in charge of keeping Del Piero in check. The Italian hasn't scored yet, and will be desperate to bag his maiden Indian Super League goal.

Alessandro Del Piero will look forward to register his maiden goal in ISL

Prediction

NorthEast United FC 0-0 Delhi Dynamos

With both teams lacking the cutting-edge in attack, the match will mostly be one full of energy and endeavour, but with no goals to show for the same.