ISL Matchday 22: Atletico de Kolkata face Delhi Dynamos in crunch encounter

Atletico de Kolkata and Delhi Dynamos both have six points from four games in the ongoing season of the Indian Super League. Both teams are yet to taste defeat and have won just one game and drawn three. On Saturday, at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata, both of them will hope to get their second win of the season and secure second spot on the table.

However, after Delhi’s last clash with Mumbai, the away team will have the momentum on their side considering they came back from a 3-1 deficit to draw the match 3-3. Delhi Dynamos FC head coach Gianluca Zambrotta believed that his side will have to play at their very best if they are to beat Kolkata. “Atlético de Kolkata are a very good team and play very well. It will not be an easy match for us. Of course, in the Hero ISL, there are a lot of opportunities [even after tomorrow’s match], so it will be too early to say anything, but yes, it is a very important match for us,” said the Italian.

For Kolkata, winning at home might be the antidote they are looking for, this season. In front of their home fans, Kolkata need to have the required firepower to secure a win against Delhi. Kolkata coach Jose Molina said, “I think the Delhi team started really well in the league and they have not lost yet and I think we are similar teams in the league and we will fight tomorrow, and I have confidence in my team. Delhi also have a good team with a strong defence and I think it will be tough tomorrow.”

But, the fact is, Kolkata have never beaten Delhi in past encounters and are hoping to change that on Saturday.

Match facts:

Venue: Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata

Capacity: 11,800

Time: 7 pm IST

Last meeting: Delhi Dynamos 1-1 Atletico de Kolkata, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

Head-to-head: Matches: 4, Delhi wins: 1, Kolkata wins: 0, Draws: 3

Predicted Lineups:

Atletico de Kolkata: Debjit Majumder; Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal, Prabir Das, Henrique Sereno; Borja Fernandez, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande, Sameehg Doutie, Bikramjit Singh, Iain Hume; Juan Belencoso

Delhi Dynamos: Antonio Doblas Santana; Ruben Gonzalez, RochaChinglesana Konsham Singh, Lalchhawnkima, Souvik Chakraborty; Florent Malouda, Ibrahima Niasse, Milan Singh; Richard Gadze, Marcelinho, Kean Lewis

Key battles:

Borja Fernandez vs Florent Malouda:

Atletico de Kolkata's Borja Fernandez will look to amends after his sloppy show against FC Goa in their last game. The Spaniard has been an important element in the midfield for his team and will look to seize control of the match. However, Delhi's Florent Malouda can prove to be a hindrance with the Frenchman looking like he had got back his lost touch against Mumbai. With Malouda constantly looking to create space, Fernandez will want his backline to stand tall and shut down Malouda during the course of the match.

Iain Hume vs Ibrahima Niasse:

Kolkata's Iain Hume is yet to find his feet, given he has just one goal from the spot this season. He will be hoping to get his act together against Delhi at home but, with Ibrahima Niasse in defence, it will not be easy. Niasse impressed in his first start for the Dynamos against Mumbai. The Senegalese midfielder looked solid at the back with a dominant display and will hope for a second start in the season on Saturday.