Delhi Dynamos manager Roberto Carlos has always eyed the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) ever since the tournament began. The Brazilian legend would be looking for another go to propel his team to become the second-best in the league this season with a win against FC Pune City on Thursday evening.
FC Goa hold an unassailable lead at the top, and even if the Delhi outfit notch all the three points on Thursday and level with Goa, the former will still be the second-best as Zico's side have a higher goal difference.
FC Pune City also have an equal chance of moving to the second spot in the ISL table, provided they get to win all the three points. Both Delhi and Pune are on 15 points, while FC Goa lead the standings with 18 points.
One concern for Delhi has been the lack of goals. The Lions have popped in just eight goals from nine games so far in the ISL, the lowest among any teams this season. Carlos, however, doesn't seem to be worried about the stat and is positive that winning is all that matters.
"For me, I won't be worried. We know we have to get on the pitch and get the win. The problem is sometimes we are unlucky and we can't convert. But my team is doing the best to win," the ex-Brazil international said at a pre-match briefing.
"But we have to be a little patient. They have got to play, that's it," Carlos added.
David Platt's FC Pune City have been without a win from their previous four games in the ISL this season, and that is one thing that worries both the team and the manager.
"When we don't win, that's a bit of concern. I don't think home and away are huge factors. I don't look at it as a concern. I look at it as another game against another opposition," Platt said.
"I have full belief that we can win the football matches that are ahead of us. I have observed that most teams have gone through a bit of a patch. We have been in the top four from pretty early on in the season. Delhi have been there from early on as well. But we look at ourselves solely, at our dressing room. We take a draw, a win or a loss," the Brit added.
In the first leg encounter, Delhi Dynamos got past FC Pune City with a 2-1 scoreline.
Where to watch live
Thursday's ISL encounter between Delhi and Pune is scheduled to kick-off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST, 9.30 am ET).
Viewers in India can catch the game on Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD3, Star Utsav, Star Gold (both Hindi), Asianet Movies (Malayalam), Jaya Max (Tamil), Suvarna TV (Kannada) and Jalsha Movies (Bengali). The live streaming is available on Starsports.com and Hotstar (delayed start).
Viewers in the UK, South East Asia, Singapore, and Hong Kong can catch the game on Star Gold.
Viewers in Canada can watch the game on CBN and ATN.
Viewers in the US and Australia can tune in to Fox Sports. The live streaming is available on Foxsoccer2Go and Foxtel.
Eurosport remains the destination for the viewers in Europe. The live streaming is available on Eurosport Player.
Audience in the Middle East and North Africa can also catch the ISL game on OSN, with live streaming option on OSN Play.
