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Following their opening day defeat in the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), both Delhi Dynamos and Chennaiyin FC will be hoping for a better outcome this time around as they get set to lock horns in the capital. It was last season that a defeat to Dynamos at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium spearheaded an impressive run of form for the side from the South.
Billed as a clash between two of the most famed defenders in the world of football, Delhi’s marquee manager Carlos voiced his admiration for his opposite number. “They are a great side, with a very good manager. I am expecting a tough competition.”
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This will be the third meeting between the two sides with Delhi Dynamos unbeaten against Materazzi’s men registering a win and a draw. But it was the away sojourn last time around that ended Delhi‘s hopes of making it through to the knockout phases of the competition.
At present, both sides find themselves languishing in the wrong end of the table, with Chennaiyin ahead of their rivals on goal difference.
Kick-off Time and Live Telecast
Live Telecast: StarSports 1 & 2, StarSports HD1 & HD2
Live Streaming: starsports.com
Date and Time: Thursday, 8th October 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium- Delhi
Live updates on Sportskeeda
Team News
Delhi Dynamos
Carlos will be expected to make a host of changes for this game with on loan Pune FC defender Anas Edathodika and last season’s top scorer Gustavo Dos Santos both expected to start. The Brazilian will once again be without the services of the National team players.
On the other side, the former Sivasspor manager could opt for a more attacking lineup against a struggling Chennaiyin defense, with 21-year old Adil Nabi predicted to team up with Richard Gadze in the attack.
Chennaiyin FC
Abhishek Bachchan owned side will be given a massive boost with the return of head coach Materazzi to the dug out after serving his one match suspension which was carried forward from last season.
On the field, though, the side faces a crisis with Ethiopian striker Fikru a major doubt for the clash. The tournament’s first goal scorer, Jeje Lalpekhlua, has joined the National team camp for their clash against Turkmenistan and Guam. Forward Balwant Singh is expected to replace him up front.
Assistant coach Vivek Nagul pointed out in the press conference that the side is still battling a few injury concerns but that could hardly be a deterring factor with the likes of Bernard Mendy and Stiven Mendoza ready to fill in the void.
Despite their rather dismal display in the defense, Nagul added that the side will still look to play their natural free flowing game with midfielder Elano pulling the strings from the midfield.
Probable line-ups
Delhi Dynamos XI: Ghosh, Riise, Anas, Souvik, Ralte, Mulder, Malouda, Dos Santos, Shylo, Adil Nabi, Gadze
Chennaiyin FC XI: Edel, Malison, Potenza, Das, L.Ralte, Thoi, Khabra, Augusto, Elano, Fikru, Balwant
Key Battles
Elano vs Hans Mulder
The battle between the two midfield giants could well decide the final outcome of the game.
Elano, who has been known to control the proceedings for Chennaiyin in the attack, will obviously pose a major threat to Hans Mulder, who is expected to line up as a defensive midfielder for Delhi Dynamos.
The former Real Sociedad midfielder was substituted after 45 minutes in the previous game following his substandard performance, making way for marquee player Carlos.
The former Manchester City star, on the other hand, was instrumental in Chennaiyin’s fine attacking display against Atletico De Kolkata in their previous game. Despite the defeat, the Brazilian put in a fine shift, regularly finding his two frontmen with his pinch perfect passes.
Thoi Singh vs Florent Malouda
A lot is expected of Thoi Singh heading into this tournament after the massive fee he commanded in the ISL auction. The 86 Lakh midfielder was overpowered by the Kolkata midfielders in the last game, but he will be hoping to put the disappointment behind him when he comes up against Florent Malouda.
The former Chelsea winger who played behind the striker in the previous game is expected to line up in the same position and although the Frenchman and his side failed to find the back of the net in the previous game, he was impressive on occasions and looks to be settling in well with the side.
Known for his ball winning ability and his fine work rate, Thoi will be hoping he can soon regain the touch that he has shown consistently with I-League side Bengaluru FC over the last two seasons.
Prediction
Home advantage might sway the game in Delhi’s favour.
The expected return of Dos Santos adds a lot more shine to the home side’s attack and with the away side already struggling defensively, this might be too tough a task to handle for Materazzi’s men. The absence of Jeje will be a massive miss.
Delhi Dynamos 3-1 Chennaiyin FC
Betting Odds (bet365)
Delhi Dynamos: 5/4
Chennaiyin FC: 7/4
Draw: 9/4
