Football fans in India have already witnessed some exciting football games in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015. Now they can gear up for yet another entertaining encounter as Delhi Dynamos face the mighty Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in Match 6 of ISL 2015 on Thursday.
Both these sides are coming off losses in their respective opening games. While Dynamos lost 2-0 to FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC were handed a 3-2 defeat by the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata. In this second round game, both managers, Roberto Carlos and Marco Materazzi, will want to register their first win in ISL 2015.
Delhi Dynamos might look like a well-assembled team on paper, but their defence struggled against FC Goa. The home side will have to be at their sublime best to outclass Materazzi's Chennai side.
Here are some of the players who can make a difference in Thursday's second round clash between Delhi Dynamos and Chennaiyin FC:
Delhi Dynamos: Florent Malouda: The former Chelsea star was promising in the first game, but he will need more assistance from his fellow teammates to run through the defensive wall of Chennaiyin FC. He can be very dangerous in and around that penalty box area. But tonight, the Delhi fans would want something special from the former France international so that they can register their first victory.
John Arne Riise: Riise was deployed in an unusual position in the opening match against FC Goa. He is used to playing in the left back position, but he was seen in the central defensive position. That's not where he can be himself and Carlos should take a note of that. Riise's overlapping style of play makes him one of threats and none can forget his freekick skills.
Souvik Chakraborti: This Indian midfielder has connected well with Hans Mulder. He has the capability of controlling the midfield and can easily switch play from one wing to the other. Carlos played a defensive formation the other day against FC Goa and made Chakraborti play in more of a defensive role. If he has to win the match against Chennaiyin FC, then he has to deploy his players in their favoured positions.
Chennaiyin FC: Elano Blumer: This is the first name that comes to one's mind when they talk about the Chennai-based franchise of ISL. He has been the best player of Chennaiyin FC, undoubtedly, and just like his performances in the first season, Materazzi will want him to be at his sublime best in ISL 2015 as well. He has already scored one goal this season and was instrumental in creating a number of chances during their loss to Atletico de Kolkata.
Fikru Teferra: During the opening game of the ISL, Fikru came close to scoring a number of times. His understanding with Elano was evident and that could prove to be crucial in Thursday's game, and in the remainder of the tournament.
Jeje Lalpekhlua: Materazzi knows his players pretty well and thus he decided to retain Jeje for the second season of the ISL. The former Azzuri international knows what Jeje is capable of doing. Jeje was instrumental in bringing Chennaiyin FC back into the game during their first encounter with the defending champions. Delhi Dynamos defenders must not give him space down the sides or else he can punish them by finding the back of the net.
