Revitalized FC Pune City welcome Delhi Dynamos in ISL

The Stallions have assembled a star-studded outfit this season in a bid to put the previous three underwhelming seasons behind them.

It will be an emotional match for Marcelinho, Kean Lewis and Marcos Tebar as the trio of former Delhi Dynamos stars are now with FC Pune City come up against their old club in the fourth edition of the Indian Super League at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Wednesday.

But, emotions aside, it is business as usual for these professionals. Another team, another innings and another beginning to a new season. “Switching teams is a part of our profession. So, as per the need of the day, no matter which team you are up against, its the team colours which count more.” said Marcelino who has scored many goals for Delhi and now seeks to score against the same side.

Elsewhere, the visitors who decided not to retain any of their players from last season also arrive with a revamped squad full of pedigree and talent. After missing out on the title last season the capital club will seek to claim their first crown this campaign.

Both teams have new managers as the Stallions have brought in Ranko Popovic and the Dynamos' ship is guided by Spaniard Miguel Angel Portugal.

Team News               

FCPC’s ISL journey hasn’t been the most rewarding so far. In the three seasons, they have had three different managers and never made it to the knockout phase. But Pune City’s new acquisition, Marcelinho, is confident of the team making the final in the upcoming edition.

The Golden Boot man from last season, Marcelinho's presence in the side will give them a reason to believe they can make an impact in this new grand avatar of the league which features, two new teams, a longer season and more Indian players.

Pune will be hoping to get off to a winning start in the new campaign and will hope that their big players such as Emiliano Alfaro, Marcelinho, Lewis and Tebar step up to the plate.

On the other hand, Delhi who have a good track record against Pune have come to town boasting Indian talents such as Albino Gomes, Romeo Fernandes and Pritam Kotal, along with their overseas players like Guyon Fernandez and Jeroen Lumu making for a good side.

FC Pune City target ISL 2017-18 title

Head-To-Head

Delhi have been the dominant side in games between these two teams winning three of the six games played. Pune have a solitary win while two matches have ended in draws.

Man To Watch

Marcelinho-FC Pune City: The Brazilian needs no introduction having dazzled in Delhi colours last season. With his pace, creativity and directness, he is a handful for most defences. Add to that, his eye for goal and clinical finishing and you have a complete player in attack.

Kalu Uche-Delhi Dynamos: For the 34-year-old Nigerian forward this is his second season in India. Previously he has donned FCPC colours in the year 2015. The experienced striker will strength the strikeforce of the Delhi side and his previous experience in Indian football should help him hit the ground running.

ALSO READ:

ISL 2017-18 Team Profile: Delhi Dynamos FC

ISL 2017-18 Team Profile: FC Pune City

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Probable Lineups

FC Pune City: Kaith, Fanai, Adil, Harpreet, Rafael, Tebar, Lucca, Isaac, Lewis, Marcelinho, Alfaro.

Delhi Dynamos: Gomes, Kotal, Cichero, Rowilson, Sena Ralte; Vinit, Mirabaje, Paulinho; Lumu, Uche, Chhangte.

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Broadcast

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1 and Stars Sports 1 HD 7.45 pm onwards. It will be also available for live streaming on Hotstar.