John Gregory rues the fact that Chennaiyin's title defence has fallen flat, Josep Gombau frustrated with results

The hosts are currently ninth in the table, with the visitors last in the pack.

Defending Chennaiyin FC take on lowly Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League on 15th December 2018. Both the sides will be aiming for a win, with the Dynamos not having notched a victory yet. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM and will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai) tomorrow.

The gaffers from both sides met the media ahead of their encounter and discussed their tactics amongst other things.

Coach's Corner

John Gregory (Chennaiyin FC)

“Delhi Dynamos could have really been challenging for a playoff position. They have been dominating matches but missing their chances. A lot of parallels can be drawn with us,” said Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory.

Interestingly, both coaches have used 19 and 20 players this season in the hopes of reviving their campaigns. However, that too hasn’t improved their results.

Gregory went on to rue the fact that their title defence has fallen flat, so early into the season, and questioned the motivation levels of this team.

“I'm really amazed to see that no one in the ISL has had the ability to come back and retain the title. I didn't envisage the season to pan out this way. But maybe there hasn't been the same hunger in teams trying to retain the title.

“It appears we won't make it to the playoffs this season. And that is definitely a huge opportunity missed this season.”

What is perplexing is the manner in which they haven’t really got going at either end of the field. The defending champions have scored a mere eight goals despite seeing a lot of the ball.

All eyes will be on Jeje Lalpekhlua who needs to rediscover his scoring touch ahead of the Asian Cup next month.

Josep Gombau (Delhi Dynamos)

On the other hand, Delhi Dynamos have flattered only to deceive. Despite playing an attractive brand of football, the Lions have not been able to see out games. In three of their last matches, they have taken the lead only to concede goals later in the game and lose out on three points.

“We are playing good football. We are creating a lot of chances and not scoring so much. That is a problem. We also have to improve our defence as we are conceding goals,” said Delhi coach Josep Gombau.

“Even when we are playing away we are creating chances but not getting the results which are frustrating. We will go with a winning mentality to win the last game of the year.”

Gombau will miss the services of Adria Carmona, who is injured and Narayan Das, who has amassed four yellow cards. What would also concern the Spanish coach is that none of his three wingers, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Romeo Fernandes and Nandakumar Sekar, have a single assist to their name.

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Team News

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans will be having their full strength against Dynamos.

Delhi Dynamos

The capital club will be going into tomorrow's fixture with a nearly fully-fit squad, with Narayan Das out suspended.

Probable Lineups

Chennaiyin FC

Ghosh, Renthlei, Alves, Sabia, Lalrinzuala, Thapa, Germanpreet, Fernandes, Augusto, Nelson, Jeje.

Delhi Dynamos

Dorronsoro, Kotal, Crespi, Das, Gianni, Sekar, Tebar, Bikramjit, Mihelic, Chhangte, Lalhlimpuia.

Did You Know?

• Delhi have just scored 10 goals this season, while Chennaiyin have scored two more.

• Chennaiyin have conceded 21 goals in 11 fixtures this campaign.

• Dynamos haven't registered a single win yet this season.

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Broadcast

The match will take place on Saturday (14th December 2018) at 7:30 PM at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. On television, the match will be live on Star Sports. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.