With one win from eight matches, KKR unsurprisingly are the outsiders. When the sides met last week, the Daredevils inflicted a crushing defeat by 9 wickets.

KKR, with only one win to their name, have the opportunity to shuffle their pack after Chris Gayle's departure. His spot could go to David Hussey, who has joined up after completing his international commitments. Kolkata may also be wise to give back the gloves to Brendon McCullum instead of Morne van Wyk to vacant a space for the surprisingly underused Ajantha Mendis.

Delhi Daredevils will try to continue their winning momentum against the KKR. Kolkata does not have anything to lose. They are already out from semi’s race. If there is hope for Kolkata win it comes in the form of the fact that one of Delhi's defeats came at The Wanderers as they failed to chase down a target set by Chennai Super Kings. It is clear that if KKR wants to spring a surprise McCullum, Hussey or Brad Hodge must play big innings.

Delhi could still be without opener Virender Sehwag because of a hand injury. But certainly they are not missing him. They went top after cruising to a win over Mumbai last time.

Gautam Gambhir was the top scorer in the previous meeting against KKR with a brilliant 71 off 57 balls and after a slow start, he finally appears to be coming to terms with South African pitches. His opening partner, David Warner, hit 51 from 40 balls against Chennai at the venue but it was Dinesh Karthik who took honours in that game with 52 from 31 balls. Van Wyk top scored against Delhi in the previous meeting but it is Hodge who has been KKR's most reliable batsman, outscoring his teammates three times.

The Delhi Daredevils have six wins in eight matches, the KKR have a mere one win from nine. The Delhi Daredevils have two batsmen in the top ten listings for the Orange Cap standings of the leading run-scorers in this Season of the IPL, AB de Villiers with 231 runs and Tillakaratne Dilshan with 248.

By any statistical analysis one can say that Delhi Daredevils are the better team. They have worn the tag of pre-tournament favourites with a far greater level of comfort than many would have given them credit for, in fact, instead of succumbing to the weight of expectation, they have flourished. That too in style without their regular captain Virender Sehwag.

The Kolkata Knight Riders on the other hand have been worn down by all their problems off the field and have brought those troubles onto the field where for the most part of Season 2009 they have been nothing but ordinary. The KKR have no chance of making the semi-finals and their sole motivation in the tournament is to somehow ensure that they do not come in last. For that to happen they will need to play spoiler, taking advantage of the pressure that the competing teams now find themselves under.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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