Dynamos eye first win as they take on Chennaiyin

It was not the kind of start which a quality composition like the Delhi Dynamos would have expected in the inaugural India Super League.

 Despite putting up decent performances in their first two matches, the side is yet to win one. 

In their second home game on Saturday, albeit against a robust FC Chennaiyin, they will be eager to break the shackles and collect their first full points.

Dynamos were held to a goalless draw in an unlucky outing against Pune at home but impressed in the away game against table toppers Atletico de Kolkata. Trailing, they played a good second half to equalise through a stunner by Pavel Elias. Elias, however, is the sole injury concern for the Dynamos ahead of their clash on Saturday. He is nursing a troubled shoulder.

The Dynamos, in their last two matches, has played an aggressive brand of football. The coach Harm van Veldhoven has said the team is committed to play “total football” against the counter-attacking strategies of their opponents. 

The attack has been boosted by Alessandro Del Piero, Martin Skuobo and Mads Junker and even Indian winger Shylo Malsawmtluanga has made an impact, especially against Kolkata. But it is the finishing which the Dynamos are seeking desperately.

Also, Del Peiro, at 39, has shown his craft but not the swiftness expected from a main striker. The midfield, led by Hans Mulder, has made a concerted effort, but the team needs to click as a unit if they wish to progress in the tournament.

In contrast, Chennaiyin, who has arrived here with six points from two matches, have stood out with their well synchronized play. The Indians and foreigners have shown good understanding which player cum manager Marco Materazzi credited to the initiative of “champions like Elano, Silvestre, Mendy and Bojan” in the side.

A victory here will place Chennaiyin as table toppers. They are fresh from their victory over Kerala Blasters, where their defender Bernard Mendy made headlines with his superb bicycle kick that got his team their second victory.  

Armed with a solid backline, Chennaiyin forwards, led by Balwant Singh and John Mendonza, have drawn attention with their pace and attack with Elano always a lingering threat. Midfielder Dane Pereira (hamstring) and right-back Abhishek Das (hamstring) are the injury concerns for the team.

On the other hand, Dynamos, with two back-to-back home matches, would like to log winning points before setting out for their three away ties.