FC Pune City host high-flying Delhi Dynamos FC in a crucial tie of Hero Indian Super League 2016 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Friday. Having been beaten 2-0 by Chennaiyin FC in their last match, Pune could not have asked for a stiffer opponent and they will have to pull up their socks on Friday if they are to boost their semis chances. With 12 points from 10 matches, the Stallions will now have to up the ante in their remaining matches to break into the top half of the table. League leaders Delhi Dynamos FC, on the other hand, are firm-favourites to qualify for the semis and a win would put them within touching distance of their goal. They have been clinical throughout the league, and in their last match against former champions Atlético de Kolkata, they showed great grit and character to snatch a 2-2 draw with 10 men. The sublime form of their dynamic striker Marcelinho has helped Delhi’s cause a great deal. The Brazilian has outstanding stats of five goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Lions marquee man Florent Malouda, Kean Lewis and Richard Gadze have nine goals and nine assists between them. However, their star from last match Milan Singh will miss Friday’s encounter on account of yellow card accumulation.Head-to-Head: The very first season of the ISL saw the teams play out a goalless draw in Delhi before the Dynamos pipped Pune by a sole goal in the Stallions’ own den. Hero ISL 2015 saw Delhi do the double over Pune with them winning 3-1 at home and 2-1 away. Earlier this season, the teams played out a 1-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.Form Guide (last five matches):FC Pune City: D-L-W-W-LDelhi Dynamos FC: D-W-W-W-DEduardo Ferreira vs MarcelinhoEduardo Ferreira will have his hands full against one of the standout players in the league so far. The robust defender has been a vital cog in the backline for the Stallions. Good in the air with an excellent sense of tackling, Ferreira would have to make sure that his opponent does not get much space to run around with the ball. His height also makes him a key man during set-pieces and he can also get offensive to good effect.Marcelinho has been the revelation for the Lions this season. The lightning quick Brazilian forward has been relishing his football, scoring and providing plentifully. He is a handful for any defender in the league and he would want to add to his tally on Friday.Eugeneson Lyngdoh vs Florent MaloudaEugeneson Lyngdoh was sorely missed by Pune City FC in their first eight matches. After returning from the AFC Cup, Lyngdoh has made an immediate impact for the Stallions. He scored the winner after coming off the bench against Maharashtra rivals Mumbai City FC and will be looking to make his first start of the season tomorrow.Marquee player Florent Malouda has had a resurgence of late. The midfielder, who had a barren patch going for him in terms of goals, has now found the back of the net thrice in his last two games. Added to that, he also has three assists to his name. He will be an important figure in creating chances, and being good at set-pieces, his performance will have a big say in the outcome.Anibal Rodriguez vs Souvik ChakrabortyPune’s top-scorer Anibal Rodriguez would have to be at his best against a formidable Delhi defence. The Mexican striker, with his quick feet, is quite capable of outfoxing defenders. He shoulders the responsibility of leading Pune’s attack, and he is one player from the Pune ranks who can change the complexion of the game single-handedly.Souvik Chakraborty has been rock solid in defence. He has played the most number of minutes for his team (900) and has a high percentage of tackles, 39 overall. The defender makes sure that opposition attackers do not have much breathing space inside the box and is always quick to clear the danger. He gives Delhi plenty of assurance as regards dealing with the likes of Anibal Rodriguez.Squads:FC Pune City: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez Tato, Eugeneson LyngdohDelhi 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, Malsawmzuala, Richard Gadze, Badara Badji, Arjun Tudu, Marcelo Leite Pereira, Kean Lewis, Amoes Do, Alwyn George
