Delhi Dynamos FC host NorthEast United FC on Tuesday, and with that the first half of the 2015 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) will have come to a close with all sides completing seven games each. Both sides are in contention for making the semi-final stage after their opening six matches. The Lions currently occupy the second spot in the league table and have an opportunity to go on top with a victory against the visitors, whereas the Highlanders will be looking to get all three points and edge closer to the Top 4 after claiming six points from a possible 18.

Delhi Dynamos FC so far: L-W-W-W-L-W

NorthEast United FC so far: L-L-L-W-W-L

Head-to-Head: Delhi Dynamos drew 0-0 with NorthEast United at home last season and managed to get the better of the opposition in the away fixture in Guwahati by a score-line of 1-2.

An instrumental figure during Season 1 of the Hero ISL for Delhi, Gustavo dos Santos has been used sparingly by marquee player-cum-coach Robert Carlos this season. Carlos, who has admitted to sacrificing some of his fellow-countryman’s ability on the ball due to tactical discipline, was vindicated in doing so in Delhi’s last match against Atlético de Kolkata. The legendary Brazilian’s masterstroke to unleash dos Santos late in the game proved to be the difference as the young gun scored the winner to hand the Dynamos all three points in a tough away fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Cedric Hengbart has risen to the task of leading the Highlanders this season after skipper Miguel Garcia was side-lined for the remainder of the campaign during their first match of the Hero ISL season. The 35-year-old has been exceptional at the back for NorthEast this year and has completed more clearances (39) than any other teammate in this edition.

Florent Malouda vs Sanju Pradhan

Florent Malouda’s contribution to the Lions in their first 6 matches of season goes beyond number. Two of his three assists this season have come at crucial junctures for Delhi. It was his pin-point cross in the 87th minute that met the head of Richard Gadze to give the Lions all three points against Kerala Blasters FC, and he was at it again in Delhi’s last match against Kolkata when he delivered a picture perfect pass for dos Santos to calmly slot into the net with what was virtually the last kick of the match.

Sanju Pradhan’s performances off the bench this season surely warrant a starting berth for NEUFC. Head coach Cesar Farias previously mentioned why he chose to use the electrifying winger as an impact substitute from the bench stating that Pradhan’s pace comes handy when trying to exploit tired defenders during the closing stages of a match. However, after notching up three assists already this year, Pradhan can have a telling say on Tuesday’s encounter if he starts from the outset.

Anas Edathodika vs Nicolas Velez

Anas Edathodika has been exceptional in the centre of defence for Delhi Dynamos so far. An integral part of Delhi’s centre-back pairing which has conceded just five times this season, his stunning passing accuracy of 89% is on par with John Arne Riise, his partner. And that underlines the strong understanding he has developed at the heart of Delhi’s defence. Edathodika has also completed more clearances (52) than other player from the Dynamos.

NorthEast United FC’s most potent attacking force, Nicolas Velez is an absolute nightmare for opposition defences. Strong on either foot, the Argentine has already netted thrice for the Highlanders this season. The 25-year-old’s ability to create chances for his teammates is another key aspect of his overall game.

It promises to be an absolute belter of an encounter in Delhi on Tuesday with both sides gunning for all three points. John Abraham’s Highlanders will be looking for an immediate response after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Mumbai City FC in their last outing. The Dynamos, meanwhile, will be hoping to add to their winning momentum after a spectacular late winner in their previous game saw them reach the top half of the table.

Quotes:

Sometimes the table doesn’t show the skills of each team. It doesn't matter where each team is in the table but I’m hoping to win: Delhi marquee player-cum-coach Roberto Carlos

We know they’re a good team in a good position and to beat them, we have to play well: NorthEast United FC head coach Cesar Farias

Squads:

Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana, Sanjiban Ghosh, Ishan Debnath, Thokchom Naoba Singh, Prabir Das, Roberto Carlos [marquee], John Arne Riise, Robert Lalthlamuana, Anas Edathodika, Anwar Ali, Anderson Sebastiao Cardoso [Chicao], Shylo Malsawmtluanga [Mama]. Sehnaj Singh, Souvik Chakrabarti, Hans Mulder, Serginho Greene, Zodingliana Tochhawng, Gunasekhar Vignesh, Florent Malouda, Gustavo dos Santos Marmentini, Seminlen Doungel, Robin Singh, Richard Gadze, Adil Nabi, Vinicius Ferreira de Souza.

NorthEast United FC: Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Boithang Haokip, Alen Deory, Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba, Sanju Pradhan, Hali Charan Narzary, Seityasen Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Siam Hanghal, Raju Yumnam, Reagan Singh , Marlangki Suting, Zohmingliana Ralte, Kondwani Mtonga, Andre Bikey, Gennaro Bracigliano, Simao Pedro Da Fonseca Sabrosa (Marquee Player), Bruno Herrero Arias, Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara, Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, Cedric Alain Hervine Hengbart, Nicolas Leandro Velez, Francis Dadzie, Boubacar Sanogo.