ISL: Delhi Dynamos Vs FC Pune City - Preview, team news and predicted line-ups

New Delhi, Oct 26: Delhi Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta urged his strikers to fire and get their campaign back on track against struggling FC Pune City in an Indian Super League (ISL) football clash here on Thursday.

Dynamos began the tournament with a 3-1 demolition of defending champions Chennaiyin FC in their opening game.

But since then they have remained without a win in four matches, including the last game against 10-man Atletico de Kolkata which they lost 0-1 after missing a penalty.

Dynamos' winless four-match run is increasingly becoming a cause of concern for coach Zambrotta. They lie sixth with six points from five matches, just above Pune who have five from as many matches.

"In the last match (against ATK) we had opportunities to score but didn't kill the match. We are able to create a lot of chances; that's no problem for us," said Zambrotta on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately in the last match, there were some mistakes. Football is like this, sometimes it may appear cruel. It is important for us to think positively."

The Italian coach said his side has progressed since he took charge before the tournament but called for improvement from his attackers.

"We have very good players and at the moment they are not at their best. They have to improve," he said.

Pune coach Antonio Habas is also struggling with his team's form, with just a win under their belt. Habas' four-match suspension also didn't help matters.

"I have respect for Delhi but we will try and win this game. Delhi should be the favourites since they are playing at home," said Pune midfielder Jonatan Lucca.

---

Team News

Pune would have to shore up their defence, after conceding in each of their matches.

A win for Dynamos would help them move back to the top four while Pune City would also desperately want a win.

Both the teams are likely to keep their starting XI unchanged.

---

Predicted starting XI

Delhi Dynamos (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Antonio Doblas

Defenders: Lalchhawnkima, Chinglesana Singh Konsham, Ruben Rocha, Souvik Chakraborty

Midfielders: Milan Singh, Marcos Tebar; Rupert Nongram, Marcelinho, Florent Malouda

Striker: Richard Gadze

FC Pune City (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Edel Bete

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, D.Ravanan, Perreira, Narayan Das

Midfielders: Sanju Pradhan, Mohamed Sissoko, Jonatan Lucca, Izumi Arata

Striker: Dramane Traore, Jesus Tato

---

Prediction

Delhi Dynamos 1-1 FC Pune City

IANS