FC Goa are in desperate need of a win going into Sunday’s encounter against Delhi Dynamos FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The Gaurs have had a poor start to Hero Indian Super League 2016 and go into the game against the Lions knowing that they must get all three points to give themselves a realistic chance of semis qualification in the second half of the league stage. Delhi haven’t had a good first half either with their only win of the season coming in their opener against Chennaiyin FC. With four draws and a loss in their last five matches, the Dynamos will be as hungry for a win as the Gaurs, and that makes it a fascinating contest on Sunday.Head-to-head: The Gaurs have had the upper hand in this fixture winning five out of six clashes against the Lions. Delhi’s sole win was a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semis meeting last season. Goa beat Delhi 2-1 and 1-4 in Hero ISL 2014 as well as 2-0, 2-3 and 3-0 in Hero ISL 2015.Form guide (last five matches):FC Goa: L-L-D-W-LDelhi Dynamos FC: D-D-D-L-DRafael Dumas vs Richard GadzeRafael Dumas has been on the pitch for every minute of FC Goa’s campaign so far and has turned into one of the mainstays at the heart of defence for the Gaurs. The Brazilian centre-back is swift and has a commanding presence in the box. A good reader of the game, he is also strong in the air and is comfortable getting physical with opposition strikers.Richard Gadze has looked lively for Delhi without hitting top form yet. The pacey Ghanaian has contributed in attack for the Lions already, however, head coach Gianluca Zambrotta can expect much more from Gadze as the season develops. Blessed with a quick burst of pace and the ability to run in behind opposition defences, Gadze will need to start hitting the back of the net more consistently if Delhi are to get their season back on track.Richarlyson vs Milan SinghRicharlyson has been growing in importance and stature with every passing game for Goa. The last two matches have seen him score as well as provide an assist for the Gaurs. An energetic and dynamic presence in midfield for last season’s runners-up, the Brazilian’s ability to pick out fellow teammates in good areas will be crucial for Zico’s men on Sunday.Milan Singh has completed every minute for Delhi this year and has been one of their most consistent domestic performers in midfield. Another individual growing comfortable with every passing game, it was his equaliser which earned the Lions an all-important late point in their last match against FC Pune City. Singh will be hoping to kick on after scoring his first goal for the Dynamos with another solid showing in midfield.Julio Cesar vs Anas EdathodikaJulio Cesar seems to have worked his way up the pecking order for Goa by contributing an assist and a goal in his last two starts. The Brazilian journeyman offers the Gaurs a physical presence at the tip of their attack and has a venomous left-foot, making him dangerous from range. He is also a threat aerially as he demonstrated with his header in Goa’s last game.Anas Edathodika’s importance to Delhi’s defence can be seen through their failure to win a single game since his injury lay-off. The Indian centre-back made a comeback to Zambrotta’s backline as Delhi put in a more assured performance that saw them denied maximum points only by the brilliance of Edel Bete in Pune’s goal. A steady head and a calming influence at the back, the wins are surely around the corner now that Edathodika has returned to strengthen their defence.Squads:FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil, Lucio, Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Luciano Sobrosa, Rafael Dumas, Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu, Joffre, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves, Julio Cesar, Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo, Robin SinghDelhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana, Sanjiban Ghosh, Soram Poirei, Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, David Addy, Ibrahima Niasse, Anas Edathodika, Chinglesana 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
