Delhi Dynamos have emerged as the team to beat in the Indian Super League as they sit pretty on the top of the table and a win at the Balewadi Stadium would take them within touching distance of qualifying for the semi-final.
Over the last few games, Gianluca Zambrotta’s side seem to have firmly found their rhythm in attack. Despite not possessing a regular goalscorer of Iain Hume or Jeje Lalpekhlua’s ilk, the side have had no problems finding the back of the net. The only time they were denied despite raiding the opposition box regularly, was against FC Pune City in Delhi, where Edel Bete put up what was arguably the best display of goalkeeping ever seen in the league’s three-year history.
Pune, meanwhile, have been poor in front of goal. If they go on to miss out on a place in the top four, their misfiring front line should shoulder a large chunk of the blame. Another reason for their erratic form has been their struggles at home: They have only won one of the five games that have been played in Pune, and lost three of them.
In recent weeks, Dynamos’ midfield has stepped up with Florent Malouda leading the way. Milan Singh has also been impressive and his strike against Atletico de Kolkata in his side’s previous fixture would rank among the best in the tournament.
With Dynamos finding stability across the pitch, their fortunes on the field has flourished. In defence, Anas Edathodika has been a revelation at the back.
If Pune win, the table would make for very interesting reading as almost every team’s chances of reaching the final four is still alive. A lot depends on the kind of impact Eugeneson Lyngdoh can make. The Indian winger’s delivery is top notch. Set plays should be the primary goalscoring avenue for the home side, who would need to make a significant leap to get three points on Friday.
Match Facts :
Venue: Balewadi Stadium, Pune
Capacity: 12,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last Meeting: Delhi Dynamos 3 - 1 FC Pune City, October 27, 2016, at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune
Head-to-head: Matches: 5, Delhi: 3, Pune: 0, Draws: 2
Key Battles:
Dramane Traore vs Anas Edathodika
The Mali striker has had a campaign to forget so far and the only area where he has an outside chance of threatening the rock-solid Anas is in the air. This does not imply that Anas is not good in the air but the few times that Traore has looked good for Pune, it is while trying to make late runs in the box to get to end of crosses. In Lyngdoh, Traore has someone who he can rely on for deliveries into the six-yard area.
Anas has been stingy at the back, though, and has been among the best defenders in the league by a long way.
Mohamed Sissoko vs Florent Malouda
Despite Marcelinho and Kean Lewis being the pace-setters in the early part of the season, it has been the former Lyon and Chelsea midfielder who has emerged as Dynamos’ go-to man in recent weeks. Malouda can operate anywhere across the frontline and has looked equally at ease playing at the centre of the park too.
Pune need to keep the Frenchman quiet and who better that their skipper Mohamed Sissoko, who will be going face-to-face with Malouda. The former Liverpool man needs to watch his positioning as there have times where he has been caught out while venturing forward with the ball.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!