ISL 2018-19: Chennaiyin FC vs Delhi Dynamos: A pre-match report
Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos, the two bottom-ranked teams of the ISL table with only five and four points respectively, will face off tonight. Both been quite dismal in converting chances, with forwards of both teams struggling to make their mark. Playoff hopes are off for both teams and all they can play for now is to salvage some pride. Here's our preview.
How are the two teams shaping up for the match?
Both teams will be lining up in the 4-2-3-1 formation with Augusto and Salom leading Chennaiyin's attack. Dhanpal Ganesh is the only injured player from Chennaiyin, while Delhi are missing Adria Carmona. Chennai's defense will remain a concern, considering that they, along with Pune, have conceded the maximum goals this season (21). Delhi's Crespi and Zuverloon surely have to prove their defensive merit tonight.
Important pointers and key players for tonight
Chennai's title defense has been nothing short of nightmarish, and their forwards Carlos Salom and Jeje Lalpekhlua have been off form, but the team will be dependant on them to produce goals. Delhi have been on a winless run for 11 matches, the longest ever in ISL history, and even though they have a beautiful playing style, it has been ineffective.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit; Renthlei, Mailson, Eli Sabia, Jerry; Calderon, Thapa; Thoi, Augusto, Isaac; Salom. Delhi Dynamos: Gomes; Kotal, Crespi, Zuiverloon, Narayan; Tebar, Bikramjit; Chhangte, Mihelic, Nandha; Kaludjerovic. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM, and can be watched on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar.
How can the match pan out tonight?
With defenses of both sides being in total shambles, there is no reason a single team can be considered the better of the two sides tonight. Chennai's manager admitted, "I didn't envisage the season to pan out this way", considering their brilliant form last term. All said and done, any team can win tonight, but there might not be many goals scored.
What shape has the league table taken?
This match will have no impact on the league table or playoffs, as the top four teams are well ahead of Chennaiyin and Delhi. Goa thrashed NorthEast 5-1 last night which also saw Corominas go past Ogbeche in the highest scorer's list. Jamshedpur still have a chance to enter the top four if either NorthEast or Goa slip up in their next match.
