Delhi badly need a win to stay in hunt in ISL

Pune, Dec 5 (IANS) Sixth placed Delhi Dynamos badly need full points to remain in the hunt for a semi-final berth as they lock horns with FC Pune City, two rungs above on the ladder, in what promises to be a thrilling Indian Super League encounter with both sides likely to go all out to make the cut for the pre-summit round here Saturday.

A win for Delhi at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium could propel them to the fourth spot, displacing Pune. 

While both the teams have the chance to inch closer to booking the semis berth with a win, even a draw could almost certainly signal the end of the road for the Dynamos.

However, only two points separate the rivals. After 12 rounds, Pune have 16, Delhi 14.

It is the third consecutive and final home game for Pune, who after their last win against Mumbai City have now put themselves firmly in contention for the playoffs.

Pune would once again bank on their star Greek medio Kostas Katsouranis and Nigerian striker Dudu Omagbemi to create chances and finish past the gigantic figure of Delhi custodian Van Hout of Belgium. The defence will once again rely on the quick feet of Italian defender Bruno Cirillo and Dharmaraj Ravanan.

Delhi's success in the penultimate round league battle would hinge on some solid performances from the likes of defender Anwar Ali and Shouvik Ghosh.

The match would have of some big names from the Dynamos side, with Danish striker Mads Junker and Dutch mid-fielder Hans Mulder being the key characters. 

It will be interesting to watch if marquee player Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero features in the game or not.