ISL 2015: Three reasons why Delhi and Pune will play out a draw tonight
In a clash near the top of the table, Delhi Dynamos will host FC Pune City tonight in Delhi. Both teams have the opportunity to go level on points with league leaders FC Goa with a win, but as things stand, it seems like neither of the teams will be able to.
Prediction
Delhi Dynamos 1-1 FC Pune City
Delhi's watertight defence
Delhi's good position in the points table is entirely based on a solid defense at the back. John Arne Riise and Anas Edathodika have formed a commendable partnership at the center, while Chicao has protected the back-four from even incisive midfields.
Statistically, Delhi have the best defence in the league, having conceded the fewest goals– eight. This resolute defense will face one of the most potent attacks in the league, when they face Pune tonight, in a battle where there might not be a clear winner.
Pune's poor away record
Pune have won only one of of their last 11 away games- a 3-1 win in Kolkata last year. David Platt's men have failed to improve on their poor record on the road this season as they have dropped points against Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin, Goa, and Mumbai.
Delhi, on the other hand, have an admirable record at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. They have remained unbeaten in their four home matches this season and Pune are unlikely to end that run tonight.
The form guide of both these teams points to a draw
Hidden behind Delhi's unbeaten home record this season is the fact that they have drawn three out of their last four matches in this stadium. In fact, Delhi have managed to win just once in their last five matches– a lucky 1-0 away win against Atletico de Kolkata.
Similarly, Pune have drawn three of their last four games, including a goalless draw against Mumbai City in their last game. David Platt's men have won just one of their last six matches. All these statistics point to a low-scoring draw tonight.
