Buoyant Bengaluru host hotshots Delhi with both teams looking to lay down early marker

The Steelmen had the perfect start to their ISL campaign against Mumbai City FC and will be looking to make it two wins out of two at home.

Bengaluru FC will host Delhi Dynamos in what can prove to be a fascinating Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.

The Stakes

The home team would be needing as many points as they can rack up at home before they head out on the road for three consecutive away games. Albert Roca's men looked incisive and fluid in their opening game of the tournament against Mumbai City FC. The Steelmen ran out 2-0 winners in a largely one-sided encounter. They are ahead of their opponents in the league table only on goal difference and will look to retain that position at the end of this game week. 

For the team from the North, this game will be the last away game before they are to play 3 consecutive home games at home. Miguel Angel Portugal's side did a remarkable job by coming away from Pune with 3 points in their ISL opener and will surely be a tougher nut to crack for Bengaluru. The visitors would ideally want to keep the momentum up and stay at pace with their opponents in the league table. 

Bengaluru FC 2-0 Mumbai City FC Recap

Team News

Consistency has been one of the hallmarks of this Bengaluru side and they looked extremely comfortable in their opening day win over Mumbai City FC. Roca will be unlikely to tinker with this combination and we may see an unchanged lineup for the game. 

While Rahul Bheke did a stellar job as left back, the Bengaluru gaffer may be tempted to give Nishu Kumar a run in before their next 3 away games. 

This may be the template for the visitors as well who pulled off a superb 3-2 victory against Pune City in their ISL curtain-raiser. The midfield that scored 2 of the 3 goals in that victory will in all likeliness be retained against a home side that prides itself on its midfield superiority. 

Head-To-Head

The encounter will be the first meeting between the two teams. 

Man to Watch

Miku -Bengaluru FC : The former Celtic striker looked right at home in his ISL and Bengaluru debut as he linked seamlessly with club talisman Sunil Chhetri. His power up front ensured that the centre-halves were occupied and occasionally dropped deep to pull the defenders out of their comfort zones. A goal was all that was remaining from what would have otherwise been a complete performance. 

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Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet, Khabra, Juanan, Johnson, Bheke, Lenny, Paartalu, Garcia, Udanta, Chhetri, Miku.

Delhi Dynamos: Albino, Kotal, Pratik, Cichero, Ralte, Paulo Cruz, Vinit, Mirabaje, Chhangte, Fernandez, Uche

Did You Know?

• Delhi Dynamos were the top scoring side among the 4 teams that qualified for the playoffs in ISL 2016 with 27 goals to their name. 
• Bengaluru had ensured that they kept 3 consecutive clean sheets in the first 3 home games of their I-League campaign in 2017
• Delhi Dynamos are among the top 5 teams that have attempted the most passes in ISL 2017.

Broadcast

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports 2 and Stars Sports 2 HD 7.45 pm onwards. It will be also available for live streaming on Hotstar and Jio TV.