Delhi Dynamos were table toppers last time they started an ISL match. But the dynamic nature of the league, coupled with the fact that they lost 4-3 to Pune in a frantic match in their last game has seen them drop to fourth.
All is not lost for Zambrotta’s men, though, with the Dynamos requiring only three points from their remaining three matches to qualify for the next stage. “Usually we take one match at a time and of course we playing at home, so for us it is important to win the next match against Goa as it improves our chances to qualify for the semis tremendously. We will prepare now for the match to win, so at the moment we will only focus on this match. We will talk about out next match later,” says Zambrotta.
Dynamos have scored 21 times in 11 matches, and have been the most free-scoring of all the teams in the league. The attack of Richard Gadze, Kean Lewis and Marcelinho will be unchanged as they look to continue their fine form in front of goal.
Soirem Porei could start in goal for Toni Doblas, as Zambrotta may opt to start a foreign outfielder in place of Chinglensana Konsham Singh, who may be replaced at right-back. Ruben Rocha and Anas Edathodika will be the central defenders.
Zico could not make the semifinals for a third straight year as his FC Goa lost 2-1 to Atletico de Kolkata, their chances of progressing evaporating with a last-minute goal by Stephen Pearson.
The Gaurs will lick their wounds, and play for pride. It has been a miserable season for the Eastern outfit, losing seven of their 12 matches, unable to muster any momentum at all.
With qualification out of the question, Zico is still expected to start his strongest team. Rafael Coelho will lead the attack, ably supported by Julio Cesar with Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes.
Match Facts
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Capacity: 60,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: October 22nd 2016, Delhi Dynamos 0-1 Atletico De Kolkata, at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata
Head-to-head: Matches: 7, Delhi wins: 2, Goa wins 5, Draws: 0
Key Battles
Rafael Coelho vs Anas Edathodika: Coelho has taken over the mantle of frontman from Reinaldo this season and has been instrumental in whatever little attacking momentum that they have generated. Anas Edathodika was out injured for the early season, but has managed to shake off injury and regain his place in the team. Very solid at the back for almost two seasons now, the Kerala-born defender must shackle Coelho on an evening where Goa have nothing to lose.
Expected line-ups
Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana; Ruben Rocha, Anas Edathodika, Malswamzuala, Souvik Chakraborty; Florent Malouda, Marcos Tebar, Milan Singh; Richard Gadze, Marcelinho, Kean Lewis
FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani; Luciano Sabrosa, Debabrata Roy, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida; Sanjay Balmuchu, Mandar Rao Dessai, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Julio Cesar; Rafael Coelho
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