Indian Super League: Chennai in battle for survival, Delhi have foot in semi-finals

What goes around comes around. The last time Chennaiyin and Delhi Dynamos played at Nehru Stadium here, the hosts were comfortably placed at the top of the table and the visitors needed three points to secure their place in the last four.

Come Tuesday, the scenario is reversed as Chennaiyin are in desperate need of three points to stay alive in the Indian Super League while a win for Delhi will almost assure them a spot in the semi-finals.

For the first time, Chennai will host a match in which managers at both dugouts are World Cup winners.

Marco Materazzi will be hoping that his Chennaiyin continue with the momentum generated by the emphatic 4-1 win over Kerala Blasters here on Saturday. The sizzling form of Colombian Stiven Mendoza, who scored his second hat-trick of the season in the previous round, would be vital to Chennaiyin’s quest for three points.

The visitors may have scored the least number of goals among the eight teams but they are the stingiest at the back. Norwegian John Arne Riise and India’s Anas Edathodika have been pivotal to Delhi’s splendid defensive record.

Delhi boss Roberto Carlos can rely on Anderson Cardoso (Chicao) and Hans Mulder for solidity in midfield. Chicao’s all-action style of play has seen him win tackles with ease.

Former France international Florent Malouda has been the lynchpin of Delhi Dynamos’ attack as he has provided six assists to his team’s 11 goals so far.