Delhi Dynamos FC play host to Jamshedpur FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday.
After having won their opening fixture, the Lions arrive into this game off the back of successive defeats where they conceded six times. They have lost their only home fixture so far, and will be keen to make amends when the ISL debutants come calling. Jamshedpur FC are the only team who are yet to concede in the league so far. However, all three of their matches have ended goalless, wherein they also spurned a good few opportunities. The club would look to pick up their maiden victory when they take on a wounded Delhi squad.
KEY PLAYERS
Paulinho Dias (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The Brazilian is one of the more versatile players in the league. He anchors the midfield to good effect, keeping in check the opposition forwards, while at the same time showing good attacking prowess. The 29-year-old already has a goal and an assist to his name, and will look to inspire the Lions to a much-needed win.
Jerry Mawhmingthanga (Jamshedpur FC)
The 20-year-old is one of the rising stars in Indian football. Possessing quick feet and a bag of tricks, Jerry has been initiating much of Jamshedpur’s attacks. While he needs to keep his calm in the final third, his team looks sharper with him as the focal point of the attacks. The youngster will play a key role when Jamshedpur visit Delhi.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Delhi Dynamos FC
Delhi head coach Miguel Angel Portugal will most likely line his team up in the 4-1-4-1 formation, striking a balance in attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: Albino Gomes
Defenders: Munmun Lugun, Gabriel Cichero, Pratik Chowdhary, Pritam Kotal
Midfielders: Vinit Rai, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Guyon Fernandez, Paulinho Dias, Jeroen Lumu
Forwards: Kalu Uche
Portugal on how he plans to tackle the coming match: “We see the goal but do not score a goal. That is a problem. It is unique what one goal means. In the match, I want my players to score goals. The best philosophy is to score goals.”
Jamshedpur FC
Steve Coppell will look to implement a traditional 4-4-2 formation that allows Jamshedpur to attack, while keeping the opposition in check.
Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul
Defenders: Shouvik Ghosh, Andre Bikey, Tiri, Souvik Chakrabarti
Midfielders: Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Sameehg Doutie
Forwards: Farukh Choudhary, Kervens Belfort
Coppell on the three goalless draws and the need to score: “I think to get three clean sheets consecutively is a big achievement. But we are playing against good, quality sides who have a lot more ISL experience than we do.”
KEY STAT
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