Delhi Dynamos, Mumbai Hunt for Win

DELHI:
Delhi Dynamos FC and Mumbai City FC will look to get back on the winning track as they face each other in a Hero Indian Super League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi, on Tuesday.
Mumbai City FC started with a flourish winning their first two games and drawing the other one but were grounded by Kerala Blasters in the last game. Delhi Dynamos too had a similar experience as they dethroned defending champions Chennaiyin FC in a superb display of attacking football in their opening game but have since then settled for draws in their last two matches against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC.
“We played a very good game against NorthEast United, if you consider that they are one of the best teams in the league. We had a lot of opportunities and of course we have to learn how we can utilise these opportunities. At the moment, I don’t think we have to change our strategy,’ Delhi Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta said during the pre-match media briefing.
The Italian World Cup winner, unlike his Mumbai counterpart, has retained the core of the squad for all three matches and he is unlikely to change that approach even if matches come thick and fast.
“For me, it’s important to have an identity,” said Zambrotta, whose team is unbeaten in the league so far.
Mumbai City FC arrived in Delhi without their captain and talisman Diego Forlan. The former Manchester United striker has still not recovered from an injury and, according to coach Alexandre Guimaraes, should be “fully fit” for the next home clash against FC Goa.
The Costa Rican coach though will not bother much about absentees. He has done well without several key players, either through injuries, international duty, or the four players who are on duty with Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup semi-finals.
“I think Delhi Dynamos are doing well in the league. They try to play attractive football. They have shown they are a tough team. I hope we can have a good game,” he said.
Mumbai City FC have a battle on their hand for the next five matches as four will be played away and Guimaraes knows nothing will be easy.
“There is a block of four games in which three are away, so we
the importance to win points away as well. We did that in Pune but did not get any points in Kerala. We hope we can have a better game and take points. The tournament is showing us that every game is going to be tough,” said Guimaraes.