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Kerala Blasters play their second home game against a Delhi Dynamos side already running low on form and morale. While Kerala come into this fixture riding on the back of a win, Delhi come into this tie with two disappointing losses. Both teams would be looking to improve their chances of getting into the semi-finals with Kerala sitting sixth while Delhi sit seventh.
Venue and Kickoff
A jam packed Jawaharlal Nehru stadium which saw more than 45,000 people witnessing Kerala's first home game is expected to reach the same numbers, if not exceed it. Kerala Blasters already displayed their love for fans, and this inspiring home atmosphere could be the penultimate difference between the two sides.
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Kickoff Time – 7PM IST
Probable lineups
Kerala Blasters: The grass could not be much greener for the Sachin Tendulker co-owned franchisee. After five away games, Kerala Blasters have finally tasted the home atmosphere, while repaying their fans with a win over FC Goa last time around.
Kerala are expected to lineup in a 4-4-2 and David James is expected to start as the goalkeeper with the defensive line of Sandesh, Hengbart, Falvey and Nrimal, playing infront of him. Sandesh Jhinghan is once again expected to start in his left back role and the young Indian looked even more threatning while initiating attacking runs against FC Goa.
Hengbart and Falvey could be in for a real test against Mads Junker and Marten Skoubo, as a physcial battle is set to take place between the Delhi forwards and the Kerala defenders. Penn Orji is expected to nullify either Hans Mulder or Bruno Arias of Delhi Dynamos, as the skipper’s impressive pressing and linking play has been phenomenal so far. Orji is expected to start alongside Pearson, which allows him to have a little bit more freedom to move around and dictate play.
Super Sub Milagres whose goal sinked FC Goa 1-0 is expected to start alongside Iain Hume, in a two man strike force. Hume and Milagres have already shown signs of budding chemistry and would look to capitalize on it.
Probable XI (4-4-2): David James, Sandesh Jhinghan, Nirmal Chettri, Colin Falvey, Cedric Hengbart, Penn Orji, Stephen Pearson, Milagres Gonsalves, Iain Hume, Ahmed, Avinabo Bag
Delhi Dynamos: After an impressive start to their Super League campaign, Delhi Dynamos reel at seventh with six points on the board. Coming into this match on the back of two defeats, the Dynamos would be looking to improve their form and get back to winning ways.
Kristof van Hout, who has been undoubtedly one of the best Goalkeepers in the Super League so far, is expected to start. Anwar Ali alongwith Wim Raymaekers would consitute the central defensive pairing, while Naoba Singh and Shouvik Ghosh would be deployed as the wingbacks. The absence of Hans Mulder has certainly left a mark on the Delhi contingent, as signs of complacency were clearly evident in Delhi’s match against Mumbai City FC. Dinis is set to replace Shouvik in midfield, starting alongside Bruno Arias.
While the midfield pairing of Dinis and Arias would face its first test, Steven Dias is and Shylo are expected to ply their trade along their respective wings. Steven Dias could be the main figure for Delhi, as his accurate crosses might prove to a treat for Junker and Skoubo, who are are set to play upfront.
Probable XI (4-4-2): Kristof van Hout, Naoba Singh, Wim Raymaekers, Anwar Ali, Shouvik Ghosh, Dinis, Bruno Arias, Steven Dias, Shylo, Mads Junker, Marten Skoubo
Key Battles
Wim Raymaekers vs Iain Hume
Both Wim Raymaekers and Iain Hume have been lynch pins to their respective sides. While Iain Hume as led Kerala’s attacking contingent, Raymaekers has guided the defensive setup of Delhi so far. A physical battle is set to take place between the duo, as both are known for their physical dominance and imposing figures.
Steven Dias vs Sandesh Jhinghan
A stern Steven Dias test awaits a young Sandesh Jhinghan in this fixture. Steven Dias is one of the most prominent figures within the Delhi squad and would be looking to launch his trademark crosses in, while Sandesh would be looking to rue every effort made by Dias.
Prediction
Although Delhi might boast a much more stronger side than Kerala, on paper. Kerala coming on the back of a win and riding high on home support are expected to win this one, however Delhi are set to dominate possession and dictate play. Kerala’s goal would come as a bi-product of a counter attack.
Kerala Blasters 2-0 Delhi Dynamos
