Delhi vs Kerala: Blasters take on Dynamos in a cerebral, tense clash of defences

LAST NIGHT, Pune City took a lead and held on to it against a pursuasive Atletico de Kolkata to churn out three points and return to the top of the table. Playing calculated football like that can come in very handy in a tight tournament like ISL. 

Which is why it was impressive that Delhi Dynamos went to Pune City and came away with full 3 points. Although it was a heavily rotated side they were playing, Delhi took the lead and defended it for the most of the game, besting Pune in their own game.

Now when they take on Kerala Blasters in Kochi, in a game that offers the winner an entry into the coveted top four (Delhi wil go second in the table if thy win), that match will be playing on Kerala coach Peter Taylor's mind. His own team formation, a heavily defensive 5-3-2, has frustrated all the opponents they have come across so far, while his forward line has been a force working with some restraint.

But the time for holding back is over. This is the fourth round and teams have settled in. And after a draw at home with Mumbai City and a loss to Atletico de Kolkata, Taylor is be anxious to get back to winning ways. He is glad to have Sandesh Jhingan and Cavin Lobo back in the team after national duty and feels they will stengthen Blasters defence and midfieldn,

 “I’m very happy to have them back, especially injury-free after national team duties. I know Sandesh had a wonderful last season and I'm expecting him to repeat it this season. The same goes for Cavin, we had a few friendlies before he flew for international duties and he was playing well. I was disappointed to lose him for three matches. But now they're back and I want them to play as well as they can.”

Sandesh Jhingan is expected to replace the injured Gurwinder Singh in the defence and Cavin Lobo may replace Mehtab Hossain, who is suspended due to the two yellow cards he picked up during the game against ATK.

But the biggest boost that Kerala have received is the return of marquee Carlos Marchena from injury. The ex Valencia defender is expected to start from the bench in his comeback game; a further boost to the already strong Kerala defence.

For Roberto Carlos, too, the defence is going to be key in the match. The two back to back victories his team has achieved against Chennaiyin FC and Pune City were hard fought, narrow wins mostly thanks to his defenders, especially Jonh Riise absolutely marshalling the troops in their own half. Others have done well too, and Carlos will be more than happy to help out should the need arise,

“Present line of defenders are playing good. Anas himself was playing good, but yes I am ready if the need arises, I will play. Every game is very difficult and I'm already happy with the work of the players."

But he is in no hurry to meddle with the winning combination. He is impressed with Anas Edathodika, a Keralite, who will take on the franchise from his own state in front of some sixty thousand fellow Malayalees, 

“He is one of my favourite players, he can improve much more and that goes for every player. When players are playing well they get selected for the national team. I have three or four players maybe they can join the national squad, they're all playing that good...  I know that 61,000 people will come. I used to love playing in huge stadiums, it would make me crazy to win the game with 61,000 people having fun, celebrating. It’s amazing.”

So the stage is set for a fight between two seasoned set of defenders who will test each others' patience in a nervy stredown of a football game that may not be a goalfest but will be full of excitement and cerebral gameplay throughout.  

Probable Starting Line-Ups:

Kerala Blasters FC - Stephen Bywater, Saumik Dey, Bruno Perone, Peter Ramage, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Shankar Sampingraj, Josue Currais, Cavin Lobo, Sanchez Watt, Chris Dagnall

Delhi Dynamos FC - Toni Doblas, Zodingliana Ralte, John Arne Riise, Anas Edathodika, Souvik Chakraborty, Gustavo Marmentini, Chicao, Hans Mulder, Shylo Mama
Florent Malouda, Robin Singh