Delhi Dynamos FC host Kerala Blasters FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday. The Lions finally put an end to their miserable run of form as, after six consecutive defeats in this season, they left it late to snatch a point against Chennaiyin FC in their previous fixture. Still rooted at the bottom, they would hope to start a turnaround by getting maximum points against visiting Kerala. The Blasters, on the other hand, began their journey under the returning David James by playing out a 1 - 1 draw against FC Pune City in the last match week. They showed plenty of attacking flair that was amiss for a while, and would want to go out and pick a win at Delhi.

HEAD TO HEAD

Delhi Dynamos FC 3 – 2 Kerala Blasters FC (3 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Guyon Fernandez (Delhi Dynamos FC)
The 31-year-old has delivered more often than not for the Lions, and was the scorer of the late equaliser against the Super Machans. A strong player, he is also ever-opportunistic and possesses good speed. He has been a regular starter for his team and is always on the prowl for goals while keeping the defenders on their toes. A good performance from his end is required if Delhi are to get a result out of this one.

Mark Sifneos (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Dutchman has been his team’s go-to striker this season. Fast and possessing excellent ball control, the 19-year-old has fired with three goals already this season. His equaliser against FC Pune City last time out happened to be the 2017-18 season’s 100^th goal, and he will be looking to put some more into the back of the net when they visit the Lions’ den.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Delhi Dynamos FC

Miguel Portugal may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation in the hope of being more clinical in the final third.

Goalkeeper: Xabier Iruetaguena

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Pratik Chowdhary, Gabriel Cichero, Edu Moya

Midfielders: Jeroen Lumu, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nandhakumar Sekar, David Ngaihte, Romeo Fernandes

Forward: Guyon Fernandez

Miguel Portugal on Delhi’s opponents: “Kerala are very strong in defence. They are a good compact team. It is difficult to win against Kerala. I think this is a good match for us.”

Kerala Blasters FC

David James will probably use a 4-1-4-1 formation that will bring out the depth in the middle of the park.

Goalkeeper: Paul Rachubka

Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto

Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Siam Hanghal, Milan Singh, Iain Hume, Jackichand Singh

Forward: Mark Sifneos

David James on creating an understanding with his players: “I have to understand the strengths and weaknesses, also develop that chemistry. The players are confident, which is good for me to start off with.”

KEY STATS

• Kerala have won just once at Delhi
• Pratik Chowdhary, Vinit Rai and Milan Singh have played for both clubs

LAST ENCOUNTER

Delhi Dynamos 2 – 1 Kerala Blasters (Semi-Final, 2^nd leg on 14^th December 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi; Kerala won 3 – 0 on penalties)

FORM GUIDE (last five matches)

Delhi Dynamos FC: L L L L D

Kerala Blasters FC: L W D L D