With three teams booking their places in the top four and three bowing out, all eyes are on Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United, who are battling it out for the only semi-final spot up for grabs.

For the Highlanders, the equation is very simple: Win both the games and ensure qualification. In the last game, they face the small matter of facing against the Blasters in front of their delirious fans. What has been more worrying for United, though, is that they have lost thrice at home this season.

Moreover, the situation they find themselves in right now bears a stark resemblance to what they were facing last year too, and the team faltered when they had to hold they had to hold their nerve. In football, many stories have been scripted when a team has been on jaws of elimination, only to comeback and go far in the tournament.

United were in a similar position a game ago but they find themselves alive in the tournament. And, there is every chance that the already-qualified Dynamos would end up taking this game lightly. On the other hand, United coach Nelo Vingada has stated that his team would approach the game like a “cup final”.

United also have to make a replacement in their backline with veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul missing out with an injury.

During the two previous campaigns, it is United’s poor start to the season that cost them a top four spot. If they fail to progress from the round-robin stage here, it is they manner in which they have failed to cash on their early lead. Mumbai City FC and the Dynamos have done just that while Atletico de Kolkata’s experience and know-how that pulled them out of trouble despite not getting out of second gear in any of the games they have played.

For United, a semi-final place is uncharted territory and that may just be the difference between them and the Dynamos, who are chasing top-spot if they fall short in this encounter.

Match Facts:

Venue: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Delhi

Capacity: 40,000

Time: 7 pm IST.

Last meeting: Delhi Dynamos 1-1 NorthEast United, October 15th 2016 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

Head-to-head: Matches played: 5. NorthEast wins: 0, Delhi wins: 2, Draws: 3

Key Battles:

Emiliano Alfaro vs Anas Edathodika

It is uncertain if Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta wants to omit his best players for this encounter, but, traditionally, defenders are an ever-present fixture in the side. Anas has been one of the best players in the Dynamos side and on his day, he is impossible for the forwards to get past him.

Emiliano Alfaro, after a terrific run of form has gone off the boil in the last few games. The Uruguayan also suffered an injury and that has affected his form. Alfaro brings his teammates into the game and this is where United can hurt Dynamos as he has an able supporting cast in Kastumi Yusa and Nicolas Velez.

Marcelinho vs Didier Zokora

The fleet-footed Brazilian has been one of the stars of the tournament and his unpredictable running has confused many a defence. Marcelinho will also not shy away from taking a shot and Vingada needs to find someone who can stop him in his tracks.

Didier Zokora is a reliable performer but he has not been a regular starter in the side. If Marcelinho can be kept quiet, NorthEast can stop one of Dynamos’ key attacking outlets although the in-form Florent Malouda and Kean Lewis possess as much of a threat as anyone else on the pitch.