ISL: Laggards Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa look to leap

A belated birthday gift it may be but marquee player Alessandro Del Piero would still be happy, and more importantly relieved, if Delhi Dynamos are able to break their winless streak when they take on FC Goa in a match of laggards in the Indian Super League here tomorrow.

The match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be an opportunity for the two bottom-placed teams to make an effort to climb up ladder.

While the Dynamos are struggling at the seventh place following four draws, two losses and a solitary win, FC Goa are at the bottom with four defeats, two draws and a win in the eight-team franchise-based league. Any more slip-ups could cost both the teams dear, virtually ruling them out of semi-finals contention in the inaugural edition of the league.

Despite the presence of legends such as Del Piero, Zico (Goa's coach) and Robert Pires in their ranks, both Delhi and Goa have struggled to find their bearings, often lacking in ideas when it came to converting chances.

Dynamos will hope that the trio of Juventus legend Del Piero, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, Morten Skoubo and Mads Junker combine upfront to give the goals.

Wim Raymaekers will be there at the heart of defence alongside Souvik Chakraborthy, and they are expected to be supported by Stijn Houben and Indian players like Nouba Singh and Anwar Ali. Besides, the home team will have an option in Brazilian Gustavo Santos who has been doing a good job in the middle of the park as well as in creating openings. On the wings, Steven Dias, who did not play in their last goal-less draw against Kerala Blasters, will be expected to play a crucial role alongside Shylo Malswamtluanga.