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Delhi Dynamos FC host Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. The Lions have only won twice this season and head into the contest after back-to-back defeats. With the possibility of a playoff berth improbable, they will want to end their season with some wins and on a positive note. The 2015 ISL champions, on the other hand, are one of the four teams to have lost the least number of matches this season (4) but were beaten 3 – 1 by Bengaluru FC in their last encounter. With a playoff spot looming on the horizon, Chennaiyin will want to pick up three points and edge closer towards qualification.
HEAD TO HEAD
Chennaiyin FC 1–4 Delhi Dynamos FC (2 draws)
KEY PLAYERS
Nandhakumar Sekar (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The 22-year-old has outpaced his opponents on the flanks and delivered exquisite crosses whenever he’s been on the pitch this season. A handful for every defence in the league, Sekar has three assists to his name and always surges forward to get shots away. He will need to be at his best if his team are to get a positive result against Chennai.
Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)
The 20-year-old has been a revelation in the league this season. His silky feet combined with his pace has taken to task many a defence. Thapa is pretty adept at taking set-pieces as well and has bagged a goal and an assist so far. An influential player in midfield, he will want to take advantage of Delhi’s shaky backline and contribute in defence for Chennai as well.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Delhi Dynamos FC
Miguel Portugal may stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, as Delhi look to be more clinical in the final third.
Goalkeeper: Sukhdev Patil
Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Pratik Chowdhary, Gabriel Cichero, Munmun Lugun
Midfielders: Matias Mirabaje, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jeroen Lumu, Paulinho Dias, Romeo Fernandes
Forward: Kalu Uche
Delhi head coach on what has gone wrong for his team this season: “When the quality is like that, we try to improve the quality, but it is a problem with the players. The personality and character for winning is a big problem for our players. We try a lot in training, but the mentality is the problem.”
Chennaiyin FC
John Gregory may go forward with the same 4-2-3-1 formation, which has yielded rich dividends in the past for his team.
Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh
Defenders: Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Sanjay Balmuchu, Jerry Lalrinzuala
Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Raphael Augusto, Rene Mihelic, Gregory Nelson
Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua
Chennaiyin head coach on their opponents of the night: “Always in games such as this, you tend to feel that Delhi has got nothing to play for but their pride and professionalism. They certainly played well when they came to Chennai a few weeks ago. Their team is full of some very talented players. They have not done as well as they would have liked, but nevertheless they have some great players, and I expect them to try and win the match.”
KEY STATS
– Delhi are unbeaten at home against Chennai
LAST ENCOUNTER
Chennaiyin FC 2–2 Delhi Dynamos FC (7th January 2018 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Delhi Dynamos FC: L L W L D
Chennaiyin FC: L W L W D
