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As the league approaches its penultimate stages, two teams who both failed to qualify for the semi-finals last season, meet in order to concrete their place in this edition’s knockout stages. NorthEast United, after their spirited display at the JLN Stadium in New Delhi, will be hosting the Dynamos in their penultimate league match. NEUFC had a confident, if not successful Goa trip, where they were held 1-1 by the hosts.
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Delhi, on the other hand, disappointingly lost 0-4 to Chennaiyin FC in their previous encounter, and a win is what they desperately need. They cannot just afford to lose another match, considering how tight the league is. An interesting encounter hence lined up with Farias and Co backed by the fanatic home support take on the Carlos led Delhi Dynamos.
Kickoff Time and Telecast
Live Telecast: StarSports 2, StarSports HD2, StarSports 3(Hindi), StarSports HD3(Hindi)
Live Stream: starsports.com
Date and Time: Friday, 28th November 2015 – 1900 IST
Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Sarusajai, Guwahati
Live Updates on Sportskeeda
Team News
Tactician Cesar Farias might go with his usual ploy of playing 4-3-3 with Bikey and Hengbert holding the fort back while Dadzie, Kamara and Velez (as the substitute) leading the attack. Simao, Kamara and Silas will play in the anchoring role. From the Indian contingent, Sanju Pradhan and Siam Hanghal should bring in fluidity in the game by their wing play while, young TP Rehenesh will be the guardian of the post.
Francis Dadzie and Aiborlong Khongjee who sustained injuries in their last match are yet to receive the green light from the medical staff and their inclusion will be the decided in the morning. However, the inclusion of the French-Senegalese forward Victor Mendy, who scored in the last match, will be a huge positive for the team in the match.
A very conventional NorthEast squad is expected unless Farias decides to tinker with the formation and position, which he is quite known for.
For Delhi, Coach Carlos has a lot to work on, particularly in the defence. The fact that despite having veteran John Riise in the defence resulted in them conceding four goals is something that will bother the coach. Also in the last encounter against NorthEast, Delhi failed to hold most of the possession and were low on both shots on target and corners.
So the Brazilian really needs to reshape his team this time around, as they face an even more difficult task at NorthEast’s home ground.
For the visitors, they do not have any injury concerns as such and hence the attack would heavily rely on Adil Nabi and Robin Singh. Of the duo, it’s high time that Singh lives up to his potential tomorrow and beat the NorthEast defence. Eyes will also be on ex-Chelsea winger Malouda who could play a pivotal role in Delhi’s game.
Starting XI and Formation
NorthEast United FC (4-4-2):
Rehenesh TP, Aiborlong Khongjee, Ralte, Cedric Hengbart, Andre Bikey, Sanju Pradhan, Siam Hanghal, Kamara, Silas, Francis Dadzie, Victory Mendy
Delhi Dynamos (4-3-3)
Toni Doblas; Adinga Ralte, John Arne Riise, Anas Edathodika, Souvik Chakraborthy, Chicao, Hans Mulder, Florent Malouda, Len Doungel; Robin Singh, Richard Gadze.
Key Battles
Florent Malouda vs Bruno Arias
It will be very important for NorthEast to keep ex-Blue Malouda at bay. This man can be very dangerous on the run and has been creating a lot of chances. Though he hasn’t scored a goal yet, he has six assists to his name so far. The 35-year-old is also very clinical on the field as he has picked up just the one yellow card so far this season.
Bruno Arias would be the answer to this Malouda question as his Spanish skills will be the need of the hour for NorthEast.
Simao Sabrosa vs John Riise
Another key battle would be between marquee player for the NorthEast Simao Sabrosa and ex-Liverpool and AS Roma defender John Riise. Not to forget the beautiful free kick Simao took the last time NorthEast played Delhi. It would be interesting how Riise, who is known to be very aggressive will counter the calmness of Sabrosa.
Prediction
NorthEast United FC 2-1 Delhi Dynamos
