ISL 2015: Three reasons why Delhi and Goa will play out a draw tonight

Prediction

Leo Moura has been the most influential playmaker in the league this season with 8 assists and 2 goals in his 13 matches so far. The Brazilian has also made the most number of passes (724) and only Delhi Dynamos' Florent Malouda can compete with him on these statistics. The numbers seem more incredible when one considers that Moura has played as a right back for most of his career!

Delhi Dynamos manager Roberto Carlos will come into this match with a plan to stop Moura and his plan will center around Chicao. The Brazilian defender has been used as a holding midfielder by the former Real Madrid legend and the 34-year-old has prospered in that role. Chicao has shielded the back-four with a poise expected from someone with his experience and he has already made 21 interceptions – fourth highest in the league.

Both Moura and Chicao operate in the same space in the midfield and the former Corinthians player will be directed by his manager to mark Moura and deny him time and space on the ball. Chicao will also be helped out by Hans Mulder, who is expected to start alongside him. If the duo manage to stifle Moura, it will greatly handicap Goa's attack.

Although Delhi 'goals against' column in the table has been spoiled a bit by the 10 goals they conceded in their last four league games, they have been one of the best defensive units in the league so far. They conceded just nine goals in their first nine games and their place in the semis was built around their solidity at the back.

Anas Edathodika and John Arne Riise have formed a reliable partnership, while Toni Doblas has the highest saves per match ratio, for goalkeepers who have played 10 or more games, with 41 saves in 10 outings.

However, the visitors will find it a lot harder to break down Roberto Carlos' men in the first leg, who will set up his team defensively in order to avoid conceding away goals.

3. Delhi's fortress at home

The fact Delhi have drawn four of their seven matches at home this season, also points to a match where both teams will be content in sharing the points.