ISL 2015: FC Pune City to sneak a win against a struggling Delhi Dynamos attack
FC Pune City host Delhi Dynamos FC in what is their third home match in a row. The Stallions start favourites to extend their winning run against a Delhi team that is struggling to score goals.
After putting three past Mumbai City FC in their opening game, Pune struggled to score against NorthEast United. In fact, it was an own goal from Zohmingliana Ralte that won them the game.
However, David Platt will be pleased with the outcome as it shows that his team can win matches even when they are not at their best. Pune will play five of their six opening games at home this season. They will have to win most of these matches to allow themselves breathing space when they hit the road in the second half of the season.
Dynamos put up a much improved performance in their 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC. The team defended well as a unit and the inclusion of Dos Santos in the starting line-up provided a much needed edge to their attack which was missing in the opening game. However, lack of goals continues to be a cause for concern for Roberto Carlos with the team managing only one in two matches – that too from a penalty.
Unlike Pune, Delhi will play most of their away matches in the first half of the season. While this offers them the chance of pulling things back in the second phase, they shouldn't leave themselves with too much to do towards the end.
Pune City team news
David Platt does not have injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Pune's marquee striker Adrian Mutu made his ISL debut in their previous game after recovering from injury. The former Chelsea forward looked rusty as he was yet to regain match-fitness.
The Stallions will continue to miss some key Indian players - Eugeneson Lyngdog, Baikash Jairu, Pritam Kotal and Jakichand Singh - who are yet to return from national team duty. They will be available to play for their next match against Atletico de Kolkata.
In their last match, Pune struggled to score with Mutu upfront and eventually Platt had to bring on Tuncay Sanli whose arrival immediately lifted the players and the crowd. The English coach now has the option to start with both these players in attack, but that might require a change in formation. He will also have to remove one foreign player from midfield/defense to accommodate this change.
Delhi Dynamos team news
“Tactics are a lie,” Carlos said in his pre-match press conference. Ironically though, it was a tactical change for their match against Chennaiyin which got them the three points. The Brazilian shifted from a 5-3-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation which provided the team more balance throughout the park.
Delhi's first choice goal-keepers Toni Dobias, Ravi Kumar and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury are all still struggling with injuries which means last-minute signing Sanjiban Ghosh will continue in goal.
The home side are still missing the likes of Francis Fernandes, Sehnaj Singh and Robin Singh, who were part of India's just concluded World Cup qualifying fixtures. The trio will be available for their next game against Kerala Blasters.
With his team struggling to score goals, the Brazilian manager might be tempted to start with Adil Nabi, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion, in attack.
What the managers said
Platt stressed on the importance of rotating and resting his squad. “Two wins nice to have but they are in the past; regardless of that we don’t change preparation. We are confident but at the same time we know we could better in some aspects of the game.
“I’ve looked at 14 games in 61 days, rather than three in eight to 11 days. We put together a squad that could sustain this sort of season together as a group by being able to rotate, rest, look after injured players and pick tactically,” the Pune City manager said.
Carlos, on the other hand, shared his belief that tactics are unimportant. “You can take a photo before the game of the tactics and during the game you cannot figure out the tactics. The best tactics are those which lead you to a win. On paper, the tactics look beautiful but when you play on the field, the left back is running here and there and it’s all a mess. Tactics are a lie and it’s about the quality,” the Delhi manager said in the pre-match press conference.
Previous encounters
14 October, 2014: Delhi Dynamos FC 0-0 FC Pune City
6 December, 2014: FC Pune City 0-1 Delhi Dynamos FC (Dos Santos 88')
Prediction
FC Pune City 1-0 Delhi Dynamos FC
It will be a close encounter with both teams looking very organised at the back. Considering Delhi are yet to score from open play and Pune struggling to score in their last game, there are unlikely to be too many goals in this match. However, the home side are looking the better unit at the moment, and are likely to sneak a win like they did against NorthEast United.
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