Delhi Dynamos FC play host to defending champions Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Dynamos head into the match on the back of 2-0 victories over FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC in their last two matches. These consecutive victories have propelled head coach Gianluca Zambrotta’s men up the table and they would love to further consolidate their position with a hat-trick of wins. Chennaiyin too are on a positive run with a five-match unbeaten streak. However, their last three matches have only yielded draws, and the Super Machans would want to change that on Wednesday. Thus a thrilling encounter filled with fireworks can be expected in the national capital as things heat up in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League.

Head-to-head: Delhi won 4-1 at home and then drew 2-2 away in Hero ISL 2014. In Hero ISL 2015, Delhi again triumphed at home, this time 1-0 before the Super Machans thumped them 4-0 in Chennai. Earlier this season, Chennaiyin were run ragged as they succumbed to a 3-1 loss at home.

Form Guide (last five matches):

Delhi Dynamos FC: D-L-D-W-W

Chennaiyin FC: W-W-D-D-D

Anas Edathodika vs Jeje Lalpekhlua

Anas Edathodika has established his place in the Dynamos side with his solid performances. The 29-year-old has thoroughly impressed in his four appearances so far and has been Hero of the Match in Delhi’s last two wins. With his disciplined tackling and solid passing, he has kept the ball for his team; his interceptions have foiled attacks, and he will again be key to Delhi’s supremacy.

Jeje Lalpekhlua has performed well in his every appearance for the Super Machans this season. His sublime finishing skills can trouble any defensive barrier. Goals and assists have come from his boot, and the talismanic striker needs to continue that form to enhance his team’s chances against the Lions on Wednesday.

Marcelinho vs Raphael Augusto

Marcelinho has featured in every match for the Lions in Hero ISL 2016. Joint top-scorer with five goals to go with four assists, the Brazilian has won many hearts with his slick passing, pace and smart finishing. And most importantly, he is a team man. The last time these two teams met, Marcelinho proved to be a thorn in Chennaiyin’s flesh as he scored a brace and scripted a 3-1 win for Delhi.

Raphael Augusto has been winning tackles for the Super Machans all over the pitch in Hero ISL 2016. Interceptions aside, he can also hold on to the ball when needed. The 25-year-old Brazilian is quite reliable with an exceptional passing rate and great work ethic.

Richard Gadze vs Bernard Mendy

Richard Gadze is a leader on the field. He tends to power through opposition defences. He is one player who can punish the opposition against the run of play. The Ghanaian has already contributed in buoying up Delhi’s campaign this season. A threat every time he has the ball at his feet, Gadze can well be the difference in a close game.

Bernard Mendy is one of Chennaiyin’s top stars. The 35-year-old Frenchman is a beast in the park and can shut out rivals with ease. Solid in passing, he is exceptionally good in the air, thus making him a threat in set-piece situations. But he is up against a very formidable attacking team on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see how he fares.

Squads:

Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana, Sanjiban Ghosh, Soram Poirei, Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, David Addy, Ibrahima Niasse, Anas Edathodika, Chinglensana Konsham Singh, Lalchhawnkima, Rupert Nongrum, Souvik Chakraborty, Florent Malouda, Bruno Augusto Pelissari de Lima, Marcos Tebar, Emerson Gomes de Moura, Denson Devadas, Milan Singh, Malsawmzuala, Richard Gadze, Badara Badji, Arjun Tudu, Marcelo Leite Pereira, Kean Lewis, Amoes Do, Alwyn George

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Pawan Kumar, Duwayne Kerr, Bernard Mendy, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Eli Sabia, Eder Monterio, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Abhishek Das, John Arne Riise, Baljit Sahni, Hans Mulder, Manuele Blasi, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Davide Succi, Maurizio Peluso, Bedashwor Singh, Uttam Rai, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Zakeer Mundampara, Anrirudh Thapa