Preview: Delhi look to top the table with a win against Kerala
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Delhi Dynamos FC will be aiming for the summit of Hero Indian Super League 2016 when they host Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Delhi, who have scored the maximum number of goals this season, go into the contest high on confidence after a 2-0 victory over FC Goa in their last match. Meanwhile, the Blasters played out a goalless draw with Chennaiyin in the first south Indian derby of the season in their last match. Kerala began their Hero ISL 2016 campaign with back-to-back defeats but have gone on a five-match undefeated streak since. Runners-up from the inaugural season, Kerala’s recent run of results has seen them slip back into contention for the semi-finals. As both teams look to start their second half of the league stage on a good note, expect this encounter to be a mouth-watering one.
Head-to-head: Kerala drew 0-0 at home and then enjoyed a 1-0 success away from home in Hero ISL 2014. The tables turned in Hero ISL 2015 with Delhi capturing a 1-0 away win, which was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw in Delhi. Their first encounter this season ended in a 0-0 draw at Kochi.
Form Guide (last five matches):
Delhi Dynamos FC: D-D-L-D-W
Kerala Blasters FC: D-W-D-W-D

Marcelinho vs Cedric Hengbart
Marcelinho has been the driving force in Delhi’s attack in the Hero ISL 2016. The 29-year-old Brazilian has been involved in eight of Delhi’s 10 goals this campaign. His rich vein of form and lethal presence inside the box can prove to be the difference against the Blasters.
Cedric Hengbart has been a rock at the back for the men in yellow this season. He has been a towering presence in the air and convincing in tackles. The Frenchman has also made crucial interceptions and is a threat from set-pieces. His understanding with Aaron Hughes at the heart of the Blasters’ defence has seen Kerala become one of the tightest defences in the league.
Florent Malouda vs Mohammed Rafique
Florent Malouda has been the glue that has held the Dynamos’ midfield together this season as the French talisman effortlessly keeps things ticking with neat and precise passing. He has been the vital link going forward and has the most number of passes by anyone from his team. Kerala will need to stop Malouda from seeing too much possession on Friday if they’re hoping for a positive result.
Mohammed Rafique has established his place in Kerala’s team on the back of some hardworking displays on the right flank. His quick burst of pace and runs into the box have troubled defenders on a regular basis. Rafique’s ability to put balls into the box is vital to his team’s scoring chances as he demonstrated during their 2-1 away win against FC Goa for his side’s first goal.
Souvik Chakraborty vs Kervens Belfort
Souvik Chakraborty has been a solid and reliable presence at the back for the Lions this year. He has thwarted opposition attacks with calmness and composure, never hurried with the ball at his feet. His clean tackling has kept rivals at bay, while his ability to get forward in attack has also posed a threat to opposition defences. The 24-year-old will be key when he comes up against Kervens Belfort on Kerala’s left blank on Friday.
The Haitian announced his arrival to the Hero ISL with a superb finish to bag all three points against Goa at Fatorda. Belfort’s pace and ability to go past players with ease will keep Chakraborty on his toes this Friday. The 24-year-old also has a lethal shot on him and will be looking to get away as many clear shots on goal as possible after cutting infield from Kerala’s left.
Squads:
Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana, Sanjiban Ghosh, Soram Poirei, Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, David Addy, Ibrahima Niasse, Anas Edathodika, Chinglensana Konsham Singh, Lalchhawnkima, Lalruatthara, 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
Kerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni