ISL: SC Delhi, Blasters eye first win in clash of laggards

For Sporting Club Delhi and Kerala Blasters, there is much ground to make up in the Indian Super League (ISL). When they lock horns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday, it is an opportunity for one of these teams to exploit the other’s frailties and grab all three points. As things stand, SC Delhi is 12th in the 14-team table while Blasters are 13th.

The host seems to have made some progress after a wretched start that saw it lose its first three games. In the previous two matches, Delhi has played out draws against Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC.

The southern outfit, meanwhile, is at a low ebb. Blasters parted ways with their Spanish coach David Catala on mutual terms after a winless six-match run, paving the way for England’s Ashley Westwood, who notably enjoyed a successful stint with Bengaluru FC in India a decade ago, to take charge for the fixture on Sunday.

Westwood’s first aim is to ensure a relaxed environment at the club. “First, bring a feel-good factor — energy, enjoyable training sessions and clear messages. We’ll have a game plan with and without the ball. The idea is to relax the players, build spirit and togetherness, and improve performances. If we enjoy football and work hard, results will follow,” he said.