Kerala Blasters have lost their last six games in the ISL and have been poor in their first two outings of this year's tournament.
None of the blame should go to the defence though, which has done its fair share in ensuring that the margin of the defeats have been limited to a single goal on both occasions.
Blasters' manager Steve Coppell admitted as much in his pre-match press conference, "We have to improve in all departments, though I feel defensively we are good, the last one [vs ATK] was a heavily deflected goal. Midfield also got a little bit detached at times. Our forwards need to start scoring. We know where we need to improve and we are working on it, each and every player is working individually and as a team. As all the other coaches say, we will look to attack together and defend together."
Coppell may opt for a change in striking options up top with Duckens Nazon most likely to drop to the bench. Michael Chopra may pip Kervans Belfort to the position, considering that the Haitian Belfort has failed to capitalise on his start in the Kerala's first game. The rest of the line-up is expected to be unchanged, though Ouzin Ndoye who struggled for fitness in their last game may be dropped.
Delhi were impressive in their season opener, putting three past Chennaiyin in the champions' own backyard. Gianluca Zambrotta's first match in ISL management would have certainly have the other teams on high alert, as it looks like a very rigorous pre-season has paid off for the capital outfit.
Defender Anas Edathodika picked up a groin injury late in the last match, and will be replaced in the line-up by Lalchawnkima, who will slot in at the right of the defence. Chinglensana Singh will partner Ruben in the centre of defence, while Souvik Chakraborty will play on the left.
Zambrotta is expected to keep marquee Florent Malouda on the bench given Marcelinho's wonderful performance against Chennaiyin, the Brazilian scoring two goals. Playing their second match away, Delhi will look to replicate their perfect away-day plan, sitting deep and attacking on the counter.
Match Facts
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi (locally known as the Kaloor International Stadium)
Capacity: 60,000
Time: 7 pm IST
Last meeting: Delhi Dynamos 3-3 Kerala Blasters, 3rd December 2015, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi
Head-to-head: Matches: 4, Kerala wins: 1, Delhi wins: 1, Draws: 2
Key Battles
Antonio German vs Ruben: The Kerala attack hasn't really fired at all, at the centre of this goal-shyness is the form of German, who bagged six goals and three assists for the southern outfit last season.
Ruben, the Spaniard, was solid in the last game against Chennaiyin and although Delhi did concede a goal, and will have to play beside a new partner in defence after Anas' injury. Kerala haven't had a single shot on goal this season, and will look to attack the opposition from the start.
Marcelinho vs Josu Currias: The Brazilian made an instant impact on his Dynamos' debut, scoring two goals and was adjudged the man of the match against Chennaiyin.
He will be operating from the right wing and will come up against Josu Currias; the Spaniard struggling against Sameehg Doutie of Atletico de Kolkata in his previous match. Marcelinho will pose similar questions to Josu, who will look to shut Delhi's right side off.
Expected Line-ups:
Kerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack; Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Pratik Chaudhary, Josu Currais; Elhadji Ndoye, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Farukh Chaudhary; Michael Chopra, Antonio German
Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana; Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, Chinglesana Konsham Singh, Lalchhawnkima, Souvik Chakraborty; Marcos Tebar, Milan Singh, Memo; Richard Gadze, Marcelinho, Kean Lewis
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