ISL 2023-24: Punjab FC aim resurgence against composed NorthEast United

Punjab FC have lost both their ISL 2023-24 games till now.

After a dominant 3-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC in their second game of the ISL 2023-24 season, NorthEast United FC will now turn their focus to their next game against Punjab FC. The Highlanders will fly to the national capital to face the league’s latest entrants ahead of the international break.

NorthEast United will play in Delhi for the first time since 30th October, 2018 when they faced off against the erstwhile Delhi Dynamos. It will also be their first away game and Punjab’s first home game of the season.

On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the game.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

After a memorable I-League campaign last season, Punjab FC became the first-ever team to be promoted to the ISL. But, to everyone’s surprise it hasn’t been an ideal start for the league’s latest entrants.

They come into this game on the back of two successive losses in their opening two games. First they were handed a demoralising 3-1 defeat by the defending champions Mohun Bagan and then a 1-0 defeat by FC Goa. So, there's a lot to play for Staikos Vergetis' side!

NorthEast United

The stakes are even higher for the Highlanders. They come into this game on the back of a much awaited victory over their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC. The Highlanders scored three past the former champions and recorded their first win of the ISL 2023-24 season.

NorthEast United are high on confidence, but will need to be well aware of the threat that Punjab FC pose. While they will want to build upon their last win, their counterparts will be keen to bounce back stronger.

Head-to-head

It will be the first ever clash between the two sides.

Team & Injury news

Both sides are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Predicted Line-ups

Punjab FC (4-4-2)

Kiran Limbu (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Melroy Assisi, Nikhil Prabhu, Mohammed Salah, Prasanth K, Ashis Pradhan, Brandon Vanlalremdika, Luka Majcen, Madih Talal, Wilmar Jordan Gil

NorthEast United (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Miguel Zobaco, Tondonba Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Rochharzela

Players to watch

Wilmar Jordan Gil (Punjab FC)

Jordan will be a key player for Punjab FC not just in the upcoming game, but also throughout the season. He is an experienced striker and knows what it is like to play in the ISL. Jordan became NorthEast United’s top-scorer in just a few games last term.

He really has an eye for goal and knows where the back of the net is. The Colombian will have added motivation to perform against his former side in the next game.

Phalguni Singh (NorthEast United)

Phalguni Singh has been one of the best signings for NorthEast United over the course of the summer. His vision, pace and ability to make things happen in the middle fo the park is what makes him very special.

He comes into this game after scoring a fabulous goal in the 3-0 triumph over Chennaiyin and will be keen to help his team go further. Expect him to drop a good performance against Punjab FC!

Did You Know?

• It will be the first meeting between the two sides.
• NorthEast United have scored four goals while Punjab FC have conceded four.
• The ISL returns to Delhi for the first time since 2019.

Telecast

The ISL 2023-24 match between Punjab FC and NorthEast United will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, 6 October, at 8 PM IST. It will be telecasted live on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Free live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app in multiple languages. Viewers from abroad can tune into OneFootball to witness the clash.