It’s time for the play-offs in Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2 and Delhi Dynamos will be hosting FC Goa for the first match of play-offs at the Jawarhal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday. It will a game of tactical battle as two teams under two Brazilian legends, namely Zico -- who is the coach of FC Goa and Roberto Carlos -- who will be shouting instructions from the Delhi dugout, will face each other for the third time in the season.
In their previous two encounters, Zico's boys had the upper hand on both the occasions as they routed the Delhi side. This particular fact will definitely serve as a morale booster for the away team who are going to start the encounter as the firm favourites. In their very last match, which was also the last match of the round robin league, the Goan side came back from 2-0 down and scored three goals to seal the match 3-2 in their favour in this very ground. Undoubtedly this will enhance the confidence of the visiting side.
Here are the key players to watch out for:
Delhi Dynamos:
1) Florent Malouda: The French playmaker has been the impact player for the Delhi side. His playmaking ability, ball controlling skills and crucial passes from the midfield zone has been an asset for the Delhi side. When a player of Malouda's stature is present in the team, it sends a wave of panic through the opposition's campaign. Malouda will play a key factor in Delhi's performance in the play-offs.
2) John Arne Riise: The Norwegian has been like a wall in Delhi's defence and it has been very tough for the opposition strikers to get past him. Gifted with a good height and physical strength, it’s a plus point for any defender. Riise knows how to use his gifts to nullify the rival strikers and he will have to do it repeatedly against FC Goa, who have a string of attacking players in their squad.
3) Adil Nabi: The West Bromwich Albion striker has lately been in a fine touch as coach Roberto Carlos has been playing Nabi in the first XI for the last couple of matches. He is gifted with good technical and finishing abilities and that is why Delhi will rely on him to score goals for the team.
FC Goa:
1) Leo Moura: The hardworking Brazilian midfielder has been an ace for the Ghaurs. Moura's run through the midfield, his accurate passes, amazing ball control, play making ability has been one of the main reasons behind FC Goa's dream run in the league phase of ISL. He has been a star performer for FC Goa and once again Moura's performance will make a difference between the two teams.
2) Romeo Fernandes: Romeo scored two delightful goals in the last encounter of these two teams, in the same ground. He will be taking the field, high on confidence and will definitely try to implicate his previous performance. His superb speed and skills combined with clinical finishing abilities makes him a player to watch out for.
3) Reinaldo: A seasoned striker, the Brazilian has been in prolific form as he has scored seven goals for his team and assisted in three. He will be a key player for the Ghaurs in the forward line and a constant headache for the Delhi defence. Along with Dudu Omagbemi, Reinaldo will forward to crush the rival defence by scoring goals.