ISL 2015: Chennaiyin FC v Delhi Dynamos - Preview, Live stream & TV channel info, Team News, Prediction

Chennaiyin will be hoping that Stiven Mendoza (L) can continue his goal-scoring form (Image courtesy: ISL)

After a 4-1 thrashing of Kerala Blasters in their last game on Saturday, Chennaiyin FC welcome Delhi Dynamos to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as they seek to keep alive their hopes of making the semifinals.

The game has more significance for Chennaiyin as a loss would put them virtually out of contention. For Delhi, the need for a win is not that desperate, although they’d love to get the three points, and assure themselves of a spot in the playoffs.

Delhi manager Roberto Carlos said his team would give Chennaiyin respect, but they would have their tactics in place. He said, “If they attack, we counter-attack. If they defend, we strategically position our players to hurt them. The pressure is on them, as it is their home game.”

His counterpart Marco Materazzi bemoaned the scheduling which sees Chennaiyin play their third game in seven days. “It is not ideal, and a lot of the players are not in the best physical condition. But it is up to us to ensure that does not affect the way we play.”

The monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in Chennai over the last fortnight, but the pitch remains in decent condition – something that would please both managers.

Kickoff and Live Telecast

Date and Time: Tuesday, 24th November 2015 – 19:00 IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai

Channel: Star Sports 2 and 3, Star Sports HD 2 and HD 3

Live Stream: starsports.com

Team News

Chennaiyin FC

Materazzi confirmed that Elano sitting out in the last game was not a tactical decision, but due to a knock that he picked up in the match against Atletico de Kolkata.

Indian winger Jayesh Rane will also miss out, with the Italian coach not willing to risk him in his current physical condition. Materazzi will be two foreign players short as his compatriots Alessandro Potenza and Manuele Blasi will both serve a one-game ban, after picking up their 4th yellow cards of the season, against Kerala.

Mailson Alves is likely to take Potenza’s place in defense alongside Bernard Mendy. After a disappointing game in Kolkata, Dhanachandra Singh hit back brilliantly against Kerala with a splendid performance that he capped off with a goal.

The pressing in midfield went a long way in helping Chennaiyin script the win against Kerala, and once again, much will be expected on that front from the likes of Harmanjot Khabra, Thoi Singh, and Bruno Pelissari.

Raphael Augusto has been impressive in midfield, but it remains to be seen if Materazzi would be willing to field him for a third game running, in such a short span of time.

Delhi Dynamos

Carlos has a fully fit squad to choose from. Delhi are seemingly peaking at the right time, with their foreigners getting more influential with every passing game. Florent Malouda has been terrific, notching up five assists in the tournament so far.

Adil Nabi has found his groove, and finally beginning to show his prowess. John Arne Riise has shepherded the back four brilliantly and reserved special praise for Anas Edathodika, who has been a terrific foil for Riise.

Robin Singh is enjoying playing under Carlos, and his performances have spoken for themselves. He has got three goals thus far, and would dearly love to increase that number to heap the misery on Chennaiyin.

Probable XIs

Chennaiyin FC: Edel Bete, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mailson Alves, Bernard Mendy, Dhanachandra Singh, Harmanjot Khabra, Thoi Singh, Elano, Bruno Pelissari, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Stiven Mendoza

Delhi Dynamos: Antonio Doblas, Souvik Chakraborty, Anas Edathodika, John Arne Riise, Zodingliana Ralte (Adinga), Chicao, Hans Mulder, Seminlen Doungel, Gustavo dos Santos, Florent Malouda, Robin Singh

Key Battles

Stiven Mendoza v John Arne Riise

Mendoza quashed all doubts about his form with a brilliant hat-trick against Kerala. He has got the uncanny ability to time his runs in behind the defense to perfection, and with the likes of Elano behind him, he will keep making those runs, trusting his midfielders to find him.

Riise meanwhile, has been one of the standout defenders in ISL 2015. He has played in an unnatural position at centre-back but has used his wealth of experience to shepherd the likes of Anas Edathodika, Zodingliana Ralte, and Souvik Chakraborty to perfection.

Riise is aging, so he cannot match Mendoza stride for stride, but as all experienced defenders, the former Liverpool man will have to find a way to stop Mendoza.

Harmanjot Khabra v Florent Malouda

There is absolutely no doubt that Malouda will be Delhi’s prime creative force. He has not scored many goals, but his five assists so far have been instrumental in Delhi’s rise to the upper reaches of the table.

In Len and Gustavo, Malouda has able lieutenants who will keep making the runs. Robin Singh has emphasized that he has loved playing with Malouda, and the former Bengaluru FC striker is in no mood to rest on his laurels.

With Malouda there, the front three need to just time their runs, because Malouda possesses enough quality to hurt Chennaiyin. Tasked with stopping Malouda will be Harmanjot Khabra.

The 26-year-old has been Chennaiyin’s midfield lynchpin, and although he has had disciplinary issues this season, it will be his responsibility to ensure that Malouda does not dictate the game.

Prediction

Chennaiyin need a win desperately, and the home crowd will definitely turn up in full voice. However, Carlos has made Delhi a well-drilled side, who are difficult to score against. Chennaiyin possess the quality, but whether they have the patience to wear down a stubborn defense is a huge question mark.

Score Prediction: Chennaiyin FC 0-1 Delhi Dynamos