Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
Delhi Dynamos FC take on NorthEast United FC in their first home fixture of Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. Both teams head into the contest on the back of defeats by three-goal margins. A rampant Bengaluru FC side beat the Lions 4-1 at the Blues’ fortress, while Chennaiyin FC emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners against the visiting Highlanders. Delhi though did win their first fixture of the season, whereas bottom-most NorthEast are yet to register a victory.
HEAD TO HEAD
Delhi Dynamos FC 2 – 1 NorthEast United FC. 3 draws
KEY PLAYERS
Matias Mirabaje (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The attacking midfielder has been a leader for the Dynamos in the middle of the park. Confident with the ball at his feet, the Uruguayan has shown his craftiness with his passes and has an eye for goal. He already has a sublime goal against FC Pune City to his credit, and will look to add to his tally by getting forward from midfield against NorthEast.
Lalrindika Ralte (NorthEast United FC)
The Highlanders’ attacking midfielder Lalrindika Ralte is a proven performer higher up the field in a central role. He has been used on the flanks occasionally this season, where he has been less effective. However, when in his more preferred role, the 25-year-old has carried the responsibility for his team’s attacks and seems to pop up with a chance every time he gets forward. Not shy to try out his luck from range either, Lalrindika will need to make his presence felt against Delhi if the Highlanders want their first win of the season.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Delhi Dynamos FC
Delhi head coach Miguel Angel Portugal will most likely line his team up in the 4-2-3-1 formation, striking a balance in attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: Albino Gomes
Defenders: Sena Ralte, Gabriel Cichero, Pratik Chowdhary, Pritam Kotal
Midfielders: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Guyon Fernandez, Paulinho Dias, Matias Mirabaje, Romeo Fernandes
Forwards: Kalu Uche
Portugal on his side’s defensive frailties: “Well, it’s (conceding goals) not only a problem for my defence. We have to play to our philosophy and that philosophy is to play with passion.”
NorthEast United FC
The Highlanders will most probably use the attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, as preferred by their head coach Joao de Deus.
Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Abdul Hakku, Martin Diaz, Sambinha, Robert Lalthlamuana
Midfielders: Lalrindika Ralte, Marcinho, Fanai Lalrempuia
Forwards: Halicharan Narzary, Luis Alfonso Paez, Seiminlen Doungel
Deus on the Highlanders’ poor record against Delhi: “The history is for the museums. Tomorrow is going to be my first match (against Delhi), and there are a lot of players who will be playing for the first time against Delhi Dynamos. So, we cannot speak about the past because it doesn’t matter. It’s a different game, with a different team and different coaches, so everything is going to change.”
KEY STAT
Delhi are unbeaten at home against the Highlanders
Seityasen Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte are playing for Delhi this time, having donned the NorthEast jersey the previous season
LAST MEETING
NorthEast United FC 2 – 1 Delhi Dynamos FC (30th November 2016 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati)
