Isl 2015 match preview: Chennaiyin to outscore Delhi Dynamos in match-up of struggling defenses

Delhi were completely outplayed by FC Goa in their opening league fixture and Roberto Carlos has a lot to think about ahead of this game. The Brazilian, however, was defiant in his pre-match press conference and insisted that the result was down to individual mistakes, something they cannot afford in their first home game of the season.

Chennaiyin were hyped as one of the pre-tournament favorites and they will need to prove their title credentials in this game against Delhi. A poor start will bring along undue pressure and might leave them with too much to do in the second half of the season.

Roberto Carlos started with a 5-3-2 formation in the match against FC Goa and his team struggled defensively to cope with the opponents' wingers. The former Brazilian international, however, has ruled out the possibility of making too many changes to the defense he used in the opening game.

Gustavo Dos Santos, Delhi's star performer last season, started on the bench against Goa. The Brazilian forward is expected to return to the starting line-up for this game. With Toni Dobias, Ravi Kumar and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury still struggling with injuries, last-minute signing, Sanjiban Ghosh, will continue at the goal.

The home side are still missing the likes of Francis Fernandes, Sehnaj Singh and Robin Singh, who are taking part in India's World Cup Qualifiers against Turkmenistan, later tonight.

Expected starting XI (5-3-2): Sanjiban Ghosh (GK); Souvik Chakraborthy, Anwar Ali, Chicao, John Arne Riise, Zodingliana Ralte; Shylo Malsawmtluanga, Hans Mulder, Florent Malouda (C); Adil Nabi, Dos Santos

Chennaiyin assistant manager, Vivek Nagul, has confirmed that Fikru is struggling with an injury and is likely to remain unavailable for the match against Delhi. The visitors will be also without Jeje Lalpekhlua and Karanjit Singh, who have been called up for national team duties.

Marco Materazzi will field a completely new striker force in this game, with Stiven Mendoza and Balwant Singh returning to the starting line-up. Edel will continue in goal, in the absence of Karanjit, despite his glaring mistake against Atletico.

Expected starting XI (4-3-1-2): Apoula Edel (GK); Abhishek Das, Mailson Alves, Alessandro Potenza, Lalhmangaihsanga; Harmanjot Khabra, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto; Stiven Mendoza, Balwant Singh

Delhi Dynamos player-manager, Roberto Carlos, came on as a substitute in the second half of the match against FC Goa. When asked about the possibility of him starting against Chennaiyin, the Brazilian said, “My last game was Real Madrid versus Liverpool (Legends game). I was training a lot but not playing. I wanted to play since the beginning but it is hard for me. The young players have to do their job but I am planning to help them always.”

Vivek Nagul, on the other hand has dismissed the possibility of Marco Materazzi featuring in the starting line-up anytime soon. “He was really good last season on and off the bench. But this season, he is likely to stay in the technical area,” the Chennaiyin FC assistant manager said.

25 October, 2014: Delhi Dynamos FC 4-1 Chennaiyin FC (Raymaekers 1', Junker 21', Arias 79', Dos Santos 90'; Elano 69')

9 December, 2014: Chennaiyin FC 2-2 Delhi Dynamos FC (Pelissari 16', Jeje 28'; Del Piero 53', Mulder 88')

Delhi Dynamos FC 1-2 Chennaiyin FC 

With both the teams struggling at the back, expect this to be a very open game of football. However, Chennaiyin look more potent in attack at the moment and they will outscore Delhi Dynamos today.