New Delhi: Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) match on Thursday night, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here.
The Mariners have won both their previous ISL encounters against Punjab FC. However, Punjab FC have already beaten two sides, Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC, who managed the double over them last season, showing their ability to bounce back.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant enter this match after an eight-game unbeaten run that was ended with a defeat to FC Goa in their last fixture.
Head coach Jose Molina has never lost consecutive games in ISL history, and the Mariners themselves have not suffered back-to-back away defeats in a single season.
Punjab FC, on the other hand, have lost their last two matches on the road, conceding six goals across these encounters, as many as they conceded in their previous five games combined.
However, their home record has been solid, with four wins in five games (L1), including a 2-0 victory against Mohammedan SC in their last home outing.
Right now, Mohun Bagan Super Giant lead the points table with 26 points from 12 games, whereas Punjab FC are positioned seventh, having garnered 18 points from 11 encounters.
Punjab FC have conceded only one goal in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season, the joint lowest in the league alongside Odisha FC. This defensive strength could give them an early foothold against the Mariners.
Punjab FC’s Nikhil Prabhu (33) and Tekcham Singh (28) rank first and second, respectively, in interceptions this season. Their defensive awareness will be key in countering Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s attacking threats.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant have scored six goals from corners this season, the most by any team in the ISL. Contrastingly, Punjab FC are the only side yet to score from a corner this campaign.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s goal difference of +11 after 12 games is their best-ever in ISL history at this stage, underscoring their balanced performance across attack and defence.
The two teams have met twice in the ISL, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant winning both encounters.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis addressed whether he is feeling the pressure of potentially not qualifying for the playoffs after the recent defeats.
“I’m not really feeling the pressure of playoffs. Yes, I am a bit sad because this is the first time I’m seeing the team outside of the top-6, but I trust this team and I’m sure we will make it to the playoffs,” Dilmperis said.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina touched upon the importance of performing optimally in all departments to return to a victorious form.
“It’s not about there being specific areas to improve upon, but we need to be performing well in attack, defence, transitions, also in terms of physicality, so we need to do well in every aspect,” Molina said.
Manvir Singh (21) is one goal away from overtaking Roy Krishna to become the second-highest goal scorer in Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s ISL history.
Ezequiel Vidal recorded eight crosses in Punjab FC’s last match against East Bengal FC, one of which resulted in an assist. He will be pivotal in creating opportunities for the home team.
Dimitrios Petratos has logged three goal contributions (2 goals, 1 assist) in two games against Punjab FC, scoring in both encounters last season. He has also contributed in each of the Mariners’ last two matches, strengthening his stature as an important figure in their attack.
