Delhi out to exploit Kerala’s away weakness

Delhi Dynamos lost the first-leg semi-final 0-1 away in Kochi but as the teams lock horns again, Delhi will have enough reasons to believe they can overturn the deficit and make it to their first-ever final. What will give Delhi confidence is their encouraging home record as they are the only team not to lose at home and have scored 18 goals at home, the most by any team in ISL this season. 

“When we play at home, it is an advantage for us. To play in front of our fans is an advantage, and we are fortunate to have the second match at home and it is a good opportunity for us. I hope we are able to utilise this opportunity,” said Delhi Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta. Delhi were disappointing in their away clash as they failed to trouble Kerala defence with strikers like Marcelinho Pereira and Richard Gadze having little impact on the game. 

Even marquee player Florent Malouda was found wanting but as they return home, all of them can be expected to find form if they are to avoid another disappointment like last season when they lost against FC Goa in semi-finals. Interestingly, Delhi have scored just one goal in three ISL knockout matches. Kerala Blasters need only a draw to qualify for their second final in three years. They will be keen to overcome Delhi or at least hold them as they will then return to Kochi for the grand finale.