Delhi FC vs Dempo Predictions

Delhi FC will face Dempo at the Ambedkar Stadium on March 2, 2025, in a crucial I-League matchup, as Round 17 brings together two sides aiming to build momentum in the second half of the season. Delhi FC, under Harm van Veldhoven, are projected to sit 8th with around 20 points from 16 matches as of March 1, 2025, following a 2-1 loss to Real Kashmir (Feb 23, 2025), desperate to capitalize on home advantage to climb the table. Dempo, managed by Samir Naik, are expected to be 7th with approximately 22 points, buoyed by a 1-0 win over Namdhari (Feb 23, 2025), looking to solidify their position. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Delhi FC vs Dempo in this I-League clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Delhi FC

2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 1): 5W, 5D, 6L (20 points, 8th in I-League)
Latest Result: 2-1 loss vs. Real Kashmir (Feb 23, 2025)
Home Form: 3W, 2D, 3L (12 goals scored, 11 conceded)

Delhi FC have been inconsistent this season, with their recent 2-1 defeat to Real Kashmir marking their third loss in five league games (1W, 1D, 3L) as of March 1, 2025. Projected at 20 points from 16 matches, their last home win—a 2-0 victory over Namdhari (Feb 15, 2025)—shows their potential at Ambedkar Stadium. At home, they’ve averaged 1.50 goals scored and 1.38 conceded per game, reflecting a spirited but defensively shaky side that could struggle against Dempo’s recent form.

Dempo

2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 1): 6W, 4D, 6L (22 points, 7th in I-League)
Latest Result: 1-0 win vs. Namdhari (Feb 23, 2025)
Away Form: 2W, 2D, 4L (10 goals scored, 13 conceded)

Dempo have shown signs of improvement, projected at 22 points from 16 matches as of March 1, 2025. Their 1-0 win over Namdhari, with Pratik Lama scoring the decisive goal, marked their second win in three league games (2W, 0D, 1L), suggesting growing consistency. On the road, they’ve averaged 1.25 goals scored and 1.63 conceded per game, balancing modest attacking output with defensive lapses, making them competitive but not invincible at Delhi’s home venue.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

Overall Record: Delhi FC 0W, Dempo 1W, 0D (1 meeting since 2024)
Recent Meeting:

• Jan 29, 2025: Dempo 1-0 Delhi FC (I-League)

Key Trend: Dempo won their only prior meeting; the match stayed under 2.5 goals.

With only one prior encounter, Dempo hold the edge after their 1-0 victory in January 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Goa, where Lama’s goal proved decisive. This limited history offers little depth, but Dempo’s defensive solidity in that match suggests they can frustrate Delhi again. The sole game averaged 1.0 goal, hinting at a low-scoring affair.

Key Players to Watch

Delhi FC

• Aroldinho (FWD): 6 goals in 2024/25; Delhi’s top scorer and primary threat.

• Bali Gagandeep (MID): 3 goals, 3 assists; key creator in midfield.

• Mukul Panwar (GK): 4 clean sheets; vital for defensive hopes.

Dempo

• Pratik Lama (FWD): 5 goals in 2024/25; Dempo’s leading scorer and clutch performer.

• Shubham Rawat (MID): 2 goals, 4 assists; emerging playmaker with pace.

• Rohit Kumar (GK): 5 clean sheets; anchors a resilient defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Delhi FC’s 4-2-3-1 (1.38 goals per game) relies on Aroldinho’s finishing and Gagandeep’s vision to break down Dempo’s defense (1.38 goals conceded per game). Dempo’s 4-3-3 (1.31 goals per game) thrives on Lama’s movement, but Delhi’s home press could exploit their backline (1.63 goals conceded away). Delhi’s Himanshu Jangra (doubtful, knock) and Dempo’s Kapil Hoble (questionable, fatigue) may affect lineups, with Ambedkar Stadium’s 30,000 fans adding pressure on the visitors.

Prediction: Delhi FC vs Dempo

Our Prediction: Delhi FC to Win 2-1