Saturday’s 4-1 win over Chennaiyin FC represented the achievement of another level in Delhi Dynamos’ Hero Indian Super League journey. The first two matches had signified growth but ended in draws; the previous match brought goals and three points.
Consolidation of the momentum gained in the previous match will be a natural aim when Dynamos play Northeast United FC at the Jawaharlal Stadium on Wednesday. But the visitor is experiencing buoyancy as well; a 2-0 away success at the expense of Mumbai City FC was worth its weight in gold.
Despite the impressive nature of its performances till now, Dynamos has multiple reasons to be wary of its latest opponent. Trained by former New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert, Northeast is a well-organised side that excelled in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Mumbai.
The side’s deep-lying central midfielders Kondwani Mtonga and Felipe de Castro pose a threat with their late runs into the opposition box, as evidence by the duo’s goals in the previous contest.
Considering a major factor behind Dynamos’ success this season has been the successful partnership of Hans Mulder and Bruno Arias in the centre of the pitch, the pair could once again hold the key for the host. The host, though, could benefit from Joan Capdevila’s absence as the 2008 Euro winner is doubtful due to injury.
While both sides won their previous game, Dynamos coach Harm van Veldhoven said on Tuesday that it’s difficult to maintain a winning run in the ISL. However, despite the side’s near-insistence on scoring early, the Dutch coach believes consistency shouldn’t be an issue for his charges.
It’ll be intriguing to see how Dynamos responds if the match remains goalless at the hour mark. The side’s high-intensity approach places severe physical demands on its players and it wouldn’t be easy for the host to force the issue late into the match.
But, as van Veldhoven acknowledged, it’s easier for him to prepare his side at this stage of the tournament as he knows more about the opponent.
With only Pavel Elias out for another week to 10 days, the Dutchman will have an almost full squad available on Wednesday.
