Uche returns to the Lions’ den in hunt of first ATK victory

After a 10-day international break, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 resumes with Delhi Dynamos FC taking on ATK at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Lions come into the fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw with FC Pune City, while ATK will hope to turn things around quickly after a disappointing start to the campaign, which saw them losing two back-to-back matches. Prior to kick-off, the limelight will be on ATK’s star striker Kalu Uche, who returns to the capital after representing the Dynamos during the 2017-18 campaign.

DELHI DYNAMOS FC

Having gone so close to victory during their first match against Pune, the Lions will be hungry to pick up three points when they take to the pitch in front of their home fans. Josep Gombau’s men looked impressive against the Stallions, troubling the opposition defence down the flanks with pace and clever movement.

Delhi will take confidence from the fact that they have been unbeaten at home for the past six matches. Rana Gharami, who scored arguably one of the goals of the season so far against Pune, is expected to regain his place at the centre of defence alongside Gianni Zuiverloon. The pair of Pritam Kotal and Narayan Das were exceptional for the Indian national team against the People’s Republic of China and will be hoping to build on their impressive performance in the league.

In midfield, Rene Mihelic, Marcos Tebar and Bikramjit Singh will be bestowed with the responsibility of getting the team ticking with their passing range. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nandhakumar Sekar are most likely to take their place in the wings with Andrija Kaludjerovic leading the attack line.

Here’s a look at Delhi’s season in numbers:

ATK

Prior to the new campaign, fans and pundits alike had earmarked ATK as the frontrunners for the title. However, all has not gone according to plan for the Kolkata-based outfit. Steve Coppell’s side have suffered their worst start to a Hero ISL season, losing both of their opening encounters. After failing to register a goal so far, the side are in dire need of a positive result.

The one man who could turn out to be the solution is former Delhi man Uche. The Nigerian forward was a pivotal figure last season for the Lions and will be raring to get his ATK career off to a good start. Manuel Lanzarote is another big name who needs to step up for the side and lead his team from the front.

Midfielders Pronay Halder and El Maimouni Noussair will also have to tighten the cracks at the middle of the park and aid the likes of John Johnson and Gerson Vieira in defence. The centre-back duo will need to improve the understanding between them to ensure Arindam Bhattacharja is not caught in an unfortunate situation under the sticks.

Here’s a look at ATK’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Delhi Dynamos: Francisco Dorronsoro, Pritam Kotal (C), Gianni Zuiverloon, Rana Gharami, Narayan Das, Marcos Tebar, Bikramjit Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rene Mihelic, Nandhakumar Sekar, Andrija Kaludjerovic

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja, Aiborlang Khongjee, Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Ricky Lallawmawma, El Maimouni Noussair, Pronay Halder, Jayesh Rane, Manuel Lanzarote (C), Balwant Singh, Kalu Uche

DID YOU KNOW?

Delhi are on a seven-match unbeaten streak in the Hero ISL, since February 2018.
Delhi are without a clean-sheet against ATK since October 2015, in the Hero ISL.
Kalu Uche scored six goals in his last four matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

FANSPEAK:

Which team will collect their first three points of the current season?