ISL 2017: Preview - Delhi Dynamos FC vs NorthEast United - Strength first approach

TONIGHT Delhi Dynamos FC host NorthEast United FC in the third round game. With respect to points, Dynamos have three points from their opening game whereas NEUFC are just on one point.

Delhi’s first game was a dominating performance against FC Pune City, scoring three and letting in two. The game highlighted Dynamos’ ability to score but at the same time showed the vulnerability at the back. The next game against Bengaluru saw them crumble to a much superior side on that day, away from home.

NorthEast United cannot show their good first game performance due to no goals being scored. They posed quite a threat to Jamshedpur at home but failed to get in a goal or two. Defensively they stood strong. NEUFC, like Dynamos suffered a similar fate, a whopping 3-0 loss to Chennaiyin.

As Delhi hosts NEUFC tonight, the focus will be on multiple areas. Firstly, after a game that hit their goal difference really bad, both will tighten up their defences early on. The next one, will be to keep possession. And finally must be patient to await for the right opportunity to strike for the goals.

Battles

Mirabaje has been Delhi’s secret weapon. Although he starts just behind the striker, most times he is found dropping way back into the defensive area to pick the ball and starts to thread the passes. He moves quite a lot with the ball and obviously attracts a lot of tackles and wins free kicks.

Playing a similar role is Laldrindika Ralte who plays on the left side of midfield.  Ralte is more of an attacking midfield who loves to push forward.

If Mirabaje and Ralte can be contained or restrained to some extent, both teams can expect at least a few less defensive troubles.

The NEUFC right back Nirmal Chhetri is sure a strong tackler and Chhangte who is seen moving to either flanks during the game would want to avoid showing too much of the ball to Chhetri.

Key players

The experienced Kalu Uche has not been firing in the first two games but sure is capable to scoring a goal or two. Much will be expected from him at home tonight.

Danilo, playing as the striker, has not done too much for the job he is brought in to do. It is time he steps up and fires a few goals and tonight’s expectation from him will be no different.