Uphill battle for Delhi against Chennaiyin

Chennai: It should be a walk in the park for Chennaiyin FC against Delhi Dynamos, who are at the bottom of the Indian Super League table, here on Sunday. But football isn’t that simple and, in addition, the home side face a few challenges of their own this weekend.

Chennaiyin captain Henrique Sereno will miss the match having received four yellow cards during the course of the tournament. As a commanding central defender in a settled back line, the Portuguese is a vital cog for his team. Coach John Gregory has rotated his side everywhere except defence. It will be interesting to see who will replace Sereno because the options are limited and the captain has set a high standard.

Gregory himself will have to watch the match from the stands as he has been banned for three matches on charges of misconduct against officials in the previous round. Chennai’s very own Syed Sabir Pasha, Gregory’s deputy, will prowl the technical area on Sunday.

Dynamos, who have had a dismal season so far, used the transfer window to snap up Spanish goalkeeper, Xabi Irureta.

History is with the Dynamos as they have a better head to head record of four wins in six matches but Chennaiyin’s current form could prove too hot to handle for them. The absence of Sereno gives Chennaiyin the option of fielding one more foreigner in the attacking half and whoever has got a chance has grabbed it with both hands so far.