1 February, 2025; Punjab FC is set to host Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi for an exciting Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash on Saturday. The Panagiotis Dilmperis-led side aims to break their four-game winless streak at home, while Bengaluru FC looks to complete a league double over Punjab FC.
Match Preview
Bengaluru FC edged past Punjab FC with a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture. However, Punjab FC remains one of four teams that the Blues have yet to defeat twice in a single season, alongside Hyderabad FC, Mohammedan SC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Both teams are struggling with form. Bengaluru FC has recorded one draw and two losses in their last three away games, including a 0-1 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata. The Blues have lost four of their last five encounters and currently sit fifth in the points table with 28 points from 18 matches (8 wins, 4 draws). Punjab FC is ninth with 20 points from 16 matches (6 wins, 2 draws), trailing sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (27 points) by seven points but with a game in hand.
Punjab FC’s Offensive Issues
- No Headed Goals: Punjab FC is the only team yet to score via a header this season while conceding the second-most goals through headers (7). Coach Dilmperis will need to address this aerial weakness.
- Box Presence: Punjab FC averages only 16.2 touches in the opposition’s box per game, the second-lowest tally in the league. With just 23 goals this season, Luka Majcen (6) and Ezequiel Vidal (5) are their top scorers.
Bengaluru FC’s Strengths
- Possession Sequences: Bengaluru FC has recorded 147 sequences of 10+ open-play passes, second only to Mohun Bagan Super Giant (151), reflecting Gerard Zaragoza’s tactical approach.
- Aerial Dominance: The Blues have scored six headed goals this season, trailing only Mohun Bagan Super Giant (8). Their effective wing play and crossing ability could exploit Punjab FC’s aerial vulnerability.
Head-to-Head Record
The teams have met three times in the ISL, with one win each and one draw.
Coach’s Thoughts
Punjab FC’s head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis emphasized defensive discipline: “We will try to address as many issues as they create for us. Hopefully, we keep a clean sheet and score more than them.”
Bengaluru FC’s Gerard Zaragoza highlighted the game’s significance: “The most important match is the next one against Punjab FC. The team is training well, and we are focused on this challenge.”
Key Players & Milestones
- Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC): One goal contribution away from becoming the sixth Bengaluru FC player to record 10+ goal contributions in a single ISL season. Sunil Chhetri (12) has already achieved this milestone in 2024-25.
- Asmir Suljic (Punjab FC): Has assisted in two consecutive ISL games and aims to become the first Punjab FC player to set up a goal in three straight matches.
- Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC): Among four outfield players with 100+ successful long passes (118). His 67.1% accuracy is third-best among players with 100+ long passes.
- Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC): Leads the league with 45 interceptions, aiming to become the fourth Indian player with 50+ interceptions in a single ISL season. He has also recorded 67 recoveries and won 80 duels.
With both teams fighting for crucial points, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest in the ISL 2024-25 season.
