The two teams had contrasting campaigns last season with the inconsistent Pune finishing sixth in the table whereas Delhi Dynamos ended in third place and qualified for the knockout round of the tournament. Dynamos eventually lost to Kerala Blasters on penalties in the semi-final clash.
With new coaches and revamped squads on board, both teams will hope for a positive start to their 2017-18 season.
TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL. The games will be telecast with the option of English and/or Hindi commentary over their bouquet of television as well as digital platforms.
Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.
TEAM NEWS
One should expect Popovic to start with a traditional 4-3-3 formation. In the middle of the park, seasoned campaigner and former Delhi Dynamo’s midfielder, Marcos Tebar will be the man to look out for with last year’s Golden Boot winner Marcelinho spearheading the attack.
Injured - None Doubtful - Kean Lewis Key Players - Marcelinho, Marcos Tebar, Rafa Lopez
Injured - None Doubtful - None Key Players - Kalu Uche, Gabriel Cichero, Paulinho Dias
GAME PREVIEW
From what we have seen in pre-season, Popovic likes his team to press hard in the opposition half and put them under pressure. The midfield duo of Isaac Vanmalsawma and Marcos Tebar will be key to implementing this high press. Spaniard Rafa Lopez will we be entrusted with the duty of keeping the Nigerian forward Uche quit throughout the game.
Delhi under Spaniard Miguel Angel Portugal will look to play a possession based game with the intention to hit Pune on the break. They have got some exciting young players on their roster this season in the form of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Dutchman Jeroen Lumu. The Delhi side will look to put the young Pune keeper, Vishal Kaith under pressure early on to test his nerves in what promises to be a big season for the India U-23 custodian.
The tie at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex might end up being a goal fest given the attacking talent both sides have at their disposal.
