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Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa will battle it out in the final league game of the second edition of the Indian Super League. Both sides have qualified for the play-off stages of the competition and now will be hoping to secure top spot with a win. Ranked third and second respectively, the two sides have been among the most consistent in the tournament and the side from the capital will also be looking to defend their impressive unbeaten home record.
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Speaking ahead of the game, Florent Malouda emphasised how important it is to secure top spot so that they could play their second leg at home. The point was further stressed upon by FC Goa’s assistant coach Fernando Vannucci. “We are now looking to be first or second so that we can have the advantage of playing the second game at home. In a tournament like the ISL which is so well balanced, we cannot choose any opponent. Every opponent is good and we respect all of them. You must not forget that last year, the final was played between the third and fourth placed team,” the Brazilian said.
The two sides last played in their respective opening encounters of the season, where Zico’s side outplayed the Dynamos to register a comfortable 2-0 win at home. It was arguably one of the most disappointing performances of the season from the Lions who since then have improved greatly to secure qualification into the final four.
Kick Off & Live Telecast
Live Telecast: StarSports 2 & 3, StarSports HD2 & HD3
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: Sunday, 6th December 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - Delhi
Live updates on Sportskeeda
Team News
Delhi Dynamos
There are no fresh injury concerns for the home side, who like the previous game are expected to make a host of changes. Carlos confirmed that he will be resting Florent Malouda & Adil Nabi amongst others. Subhashish could continue in the Delhi goal, whereas Anwar Ali could also make his second ISL start to the season. The Brazilian could also recall Vinicius, Robin Singh and Len for the game, all three who were rested for the previous game. A decision is yet to be made on the fitness of full-back Souvik Chakraborty.
FC Goa
Assistant coach Vannucci confirmed in the pre-match press conference that his side, like Delhi Dynamos, will rest key players for the tie and field their fringe players. The Brazilian stressed on the fact that his side will go for the win and that reaching the top spot is the motive for the side. Dudu and Haokip who have relatively lesser number of games under their belt could start upfront.
Probable XI
Delhi Dynamos XI: Subhashish; Anwar, Anas, Sehnaj, Zodilingana; Mulder, Serginho, Dos Santos, Len; Gadze, Robin
FC Goa XI: Kattimani, Almeida, Gregory, Lucio, Moura, Sabrosa, Romeo, Jofre, Denson, Dudu, Haokip
Key Battles
Romeo Fernandes vs Sehnaj Singh
Sehnaj Singh finally announced himself in the Indian Super League with an outstanding 30-yard effort which helped Dynamos register an important point against Kerala Blasters in the last game. The former Mohun Bagan defender had found it hard to adjust to the pace of the ISL previously but it seems he is finding his stride at the right moment. His ability to play as a full back and in the midfield, has given Carlos a versatile option in the team and if the Chandigarh born player can maintain a good level of consistency, he could turn out to be a key threat for the Lions.
Romeo Fernandes is expected to be up against Sehnaj, when the two sides meet. The pace of the Indian winger could make it a tough match for Sehnaj. Romeo, who hasn’t yet found the back of the net, in what has been a rather disappointing ISL season compared to the previous one, will be hoping he can hit good form as we enter the business end of the season. The 23-year old has troubled defenses with his blistering pace and could prove to be a handful against Sehnaj.
Richard Gadze vs Lucio
The battle between the Ghanian forward and the tall Brazilian center back could end up deciding the course of the game. Gadze, with his impressive pace and goal scoring ability could trouble Lucio who has found it hard to deal with pacy attackers. The former Inter Milan player can rely on his experience and stature and will be no pushover.
With four goals so far, the 21-year old stands tall as the Dynamos top scorer and has played a pivotal role in the side’s journey in the league stages. The African has come up with key goals , and his partnership with Robin Singh has also paid dividends for Carlos and his side. The duo have coordinated well and could prove to be a handful for any defense. Lucio, despite facing an injury set back has been a source of inspiration when on the field for FC Goa. His towering figure has made it easy for him to win aerial balls and also can be a threat in set pieces.
Prediction
With both side’s looking to rest key players for this fixture, the game could end up being a rather enertaining tie for the audience. A high goal scoring draw could be on the cards.
Delhi Dynamos 2-2 FC Goa
