Delhi Dynamos FC play their fourth home match of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 when they take on NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Lions have a slight advantage in the head-to-head record, winning three and losing two out of the eight games played in the past. However, given the performance of both teams so far, NorthEast will consider themselves as favourites for the win.

Delhi Dynamos

The team from the capital are still in search of their first victory under new head coach Josep Gombau. The players haven’t quite adjusted to Gombau’s tactics yet, which was evident during their defeat against Mumbai City last time around. Tuesday’s clash will be their sixth fixture of the season and Delhi need to put in a valiant performance to come out on top against the in-form Highlanders.

Central to Delhi’s poor form this season has been the ineffectiveness of their strikers. Two of their three goals so far have come from defenders Rana Gharami and Pritam Kotal. Summer recruit Andrija Kaludjerovic has not hit the ground running, with a goal conversion rate of just 10%. His form, along with that of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rene Mihelic will be vital to the side’s chances of registering a victory. This season also marks the first time Delhi have gone winless in their first five fixtures and the pressure will be on Gombau and Co. to put things right.

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

NorthEast United

Under head coach Eelco Schattorie, NorthEast have enjoyed their best start to a league campaign. The Highlanders currently sit in second spot after four games and will be looking to go top with a victory over Delhi. Schattorie has worked wonders so far, developing his side into a well-oiled unit.

NorthEast’s captain Bartholomew Ogbeche has been the man behind their terrific form. The striker has already struck five goals so far and is just one away from becoming the highest goal-scorer for the club in a single campaign. Rowllin Borges has been another pivotal figure at the centre of the park along with Federico Gallego. The pair have contributed upfront with goals and assists while providing added cover for their defenders. However, the Highlanders will have to cope without Mislav Komorski, who picked up a red card in the previous fixture against Jamshedpur. If Delhi can find their feet upfront, it could spell trouble for the NorthEast defence.

Here’s a look at NorthEast United’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

DELHI DYNAMOS: Francisco Dorronsoro (GK), Pritam Kotal (C), Marti Crespi, Rana Gharami, Narayan Das, Vinit Rai, Gianni Zuiverloon, Rene Mihelic, Romeo Fernandes, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Andrija Kaludjerovic

NORTHEAST UNITED: Pawan Kumar (GK), Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Robert Lalthlamuana, Provat Lakra, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Nikhil Kadam, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

DID YOU KNOW?

• Delhi has scored the joint-lowest number of goals (3) so far (FC Pune City have also scored just thrice).
• Federico Gallego has the second highest number of assists (3) in the league.
• Delhi has the lowest shot accuracy (28.07%) in the league.

FANSPEAK

Who will dominate the centre of the park on Tuesday?

• Rowllin Borges
• Rene Mihelic

Have your say in the comments section below. 

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.