ISL 2023-24: Jamshedpur FC aim for back-to-back wins against newcomers Punjab FC

The action resumes in the Indian Super League after the international break.

Indian Super League 2023-24 season will be back in action with Jamshedpur FC taking on Punjab FC on 22 October 2023. Fans cannot wait to see their favourite teams in action after the international break put a pause on the league fixtures.

The Men of Steel have a good chance to win their second successive game at home in the ISL 2023-24 as they welcome a struggling Punjab FC, which has only one point in three matches.

There will be a lot of eyes on the upcoming fixture as both teams work towards realising their seasonal objectives. Here is a look at what to expect from the contest between Jamshedpur FC and Punjab FC:

Stakes

Jamshedpur FC must secure three points as they play at home against a newly promoted team. With a victory in their previous ISL game, the side has the better odds and momentum heading into the match. If the Men of Steel wants to secure ISL playoffs qualification by the end of the season, then they must win games such as the upcoming one to stay with the leading pack.

Punjab FC secured a draw and put a point on board in their previous ISL fixture. The 1-1 draw with NorthEast United is being seen as a turning point in their fortunes. However, the upcoming clash with JFC will be the third away fixture of the season for PFC and it remains to be seen how it deals with the challenges that come with playing on the road. They have lost both of their away games of the season up to this point.

Team News

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC (3-4-2-1)

Rehenesh TP (GK), Pratik Chaudhari, Elsinho, Laldinpuia, Emil Benny, Pronay Halder, Jeremy Manzorro, Ricky Lallawmawma, Alen Stevanovic, Nongdamba Naorem, Rei Tachikawa

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Ravi Punia (GK), Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Melroy Assisi, Mohammed Salah, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Amarjit Singh, Brandon Vanlalremdika, Juan Mera, Madih Talal, Kingslee Fernandes, Luka Majcen

Head to Head

Total Matches Played - 1

Jamshedpur FC wins - 0

Punjab FC wins - 0 

Draws - 1

Player to watch

Elsinho (Jamshedpur FC)

Elsinho has quickly won over the Jamshedpur FC fans due to his excellent start to life at the club. The centre-back performed extremely well in the opening game against East Bengal FC which ended in a draw. He followed it up with strong displays against Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC as well.

Elsinho looks to be in good touch, defends with authority and leads the defensive line by example. Punjab FC’s forwards will find it difficult to breach the JFC defensive line with Elsinho in it. 

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

Luka Majcen is the most obvious threat in Punjab FC’s forward line. The striker is the skipper of the team and is a brilliant leader. While he has yet to score since the opening fixture in the ISL, it is a matter of time before Majcen finds the back of the net again.

The clash between Elsinho and Luka Majcen will be mouth-watering. Both players use their physicality in order to influence the game. Their battle will likely play a key role in the outcome of the game.

Did You Know?

• The upcoming game is the first meeting between the sides in the Indian Super League.
• Luka Majcen first signed for Churchill Brothers when he came to India in 2020.
• Alen Stevanovic has three appearances for the Serbia national team.

Telecast

Live streaming and broadcast of Jamshedpur FC vs Punjab FC will be available on the Jio Cinema app and Sports 18 channel respectively. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM IST.