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Tamil Nadu Dragons, who made their way to the top of the Hockey India League points table, thanks to three wins on the trot, take on Delhi SG Pipers at the Birsa Munda Stadium on Monday (January 13).
The Pipers, who are the only side still in search of an opening win in the eight-team competition, find themselves at the bottom of the standings after five games.
Graham Reid's team has an ominous task on their hands as they attempt to resurrect their Hockey India League campaign against a Tamil Nadu side growing in confidence with every match.
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The Delhi Pipers began with a couple of draws against Team Gonasika and Hyderabad Toofans. Graham Reid's chargers picked up a bonus against the Vizag-based side before losing the shootout against the Toofans.
A second shootout loss against the Soorma Hockey Club was preceded by a 1-4 defeat against the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.
Captain Jake Whetton gave his side the lead with a brilliant goal from open play against the UP Rudras in their previous game but the Pipers fell short by a 1-3 scoreline.
Raj Kumar Pal and Shamsher Singh have failed to make a mark for the Delhi side thus far in the tournament even as Ky Willott and Lucas Toscani have attempted to create chances upfield.
The Tamil Nadu Dragons, who have found the back of the net 13 times in five matches, have had seven different goalscorers thus far.
The Pipers have a total tally of eight goals, with Tomas Domene and Gareth Furlong being the major contributors, having scored five of those between them from penalty corners and open play.
Tamil Nadu Dragons vs Delhi SG Pipers, Hockey India League match details
Match Details: Delhi SG Pipers vs UP Rudras, League Match, Hockey India League 2024-25
Date & Time: Monday, January 13, 2025, 8:15 PM IST
Venue: Rourkela, India
Tamil Nadu Dragons vs Delhi SG Pipers: Full Squads
Tamil Nadu Dragons
Goalkeepers: David Harte, Arasu Senthamizh, Prince Deep Singh
Defenders: Jip Janssen, Kothajit Singh, Anand Lakra, Pruthvi GM, Moritz Ludwig, Anand Y, Amit Rohidas
Midfielders: Chandan Yadav, Blake Govers, Thomas Sorsby, Shesha Gowda, Dhilipan M, Arun J, Tom Craig, Mohd. Raheel
Forwards: Martin Zwicker, Sudev Abharan, Karthi Selvam, Ganesh Majji, Nathan Ephraums, Uttam Singh
Delhi SG Pipers
Goalkeepers: Pawan, Adarsh, Rennie Benjamin
Defenders: Joginder Singh, Corey Weyer, Varun Kumar, Gareth Furlong, Rohit, Jarmanpreet Singh
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Kingson Thokchom, Ankit Pal, Manjeet, Ky Willott, Lucas Toscani, Jake Whetton
Forwards: Tomas Domene, Ishrat Iktidar, Koji Yamasaki, Aditya Lalage, Sumit Kumar, Dilraj Singh, Saurabh Anand Khushwaha
Tamil Nadu Dragons vs Delhi SG Pipers: Prediction
Getting past David Harte from open play will be a tough task for the Pipers even as the defense needs to find a way to contain Nathan Ephraums and Sudev Abharan, who look dangerous whenever they enter the attacking circle.
Penalty corners will be the key for the Delhi side, who will be hoping that Furlong and Domene can help them climb the points table.
Score Prediction: Delhi SG Pipers 1 - 3 Tamil Nadu Dragons
Where to watch Hockey India League 2024-25 matches in India?
Matches of the Hockey India League 2024-25 will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and DD Sports and streamed live on SonyLiv and Waves.
