Three point for the Delhi Dynamos in front of their own fans on Thursday and they could zoom up to second in the ISL 2016 table. Standing in their way are FC Pune City, a side equally determined to make their own climb up the standings.
Both the Delhi Dynamos and Pune City are out of the top four at the moment, but having played a game less than most of the teams above them, they can move up the rankings quickly by manufacturing a win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Delhi will naturally fancy their chances more, considering they are playing at home, but the worry going into this match for Gianluca Zambrotta's men is that they are yet to taste victory at their home ground. And on top of that, after a comprehensive opening match victory over champions Chennaiyin, Delhi haven't picked up a single win yet, drawing three and losing one of their next four games.
So, a change of fortunes and form is imperative. "We are improving and are getting better," Zambrotta told reporters. "In defence we have done a good job. But in offence we need to do better because we have very good players and they are not doing their best.
"If you have to look at the total balance from pre-season till now, then we are very happy about the team but of course we are hoping for much better."
Also hoping for better will be Pune, who are a point worse off than Delhi after five matches. Currently sitting in seventh with five points, Pune City can break into the top four if they beat the Dynamos comprehensively.
Pune manager Antonio Lopez Habas believes the fact that his squad consists of a lot of new players means his team will take a while to find the right rhythm. "We have a new team, 95 per cent are new players," the former Atletico de Kolkata manager said. "The problem is that the league is very short and we do not have any time to gel. But we have to work and score goals.
"I have respect for Delhi, the team is good. We will try our best to win."
Where to Watch Live
Delhi vs Pune is scheduled for a 7pm IST (2.30pm BST, 9.30am ET) start. TV guide and live streaming information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports HD1, Star Gold, Jalsha Movies, Asianet Movies. Live Streaming: Hotstar (also available in other territories).
Europe, South East Asia: TV: EuroSport.
UK: TV: Star Gold.
Australia and USA: TV: Fox Sports.
UAE: TV: Abu Dhabi Sports.
Canada: TV: CBN, ATN.
