ISL 2023-24: Punjab FC seek turnaround against Mumbai City

Punjab FC are yet to win a game in ISL 2023-24.

Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC are gearing up for a thrilling clash in the ISL 2023-24 season. The Islanders, currently sitting at the fifth position in the league table, recently battled out a draw against Hyderabad at the iconic Mumbai Football Arena.

In stark contrast, Punjab FC are yet to taste victory in this campaign. In their previous outing, they were seen suffering a painful 5-1 defeat at the hands of Chennaiyin FC. With just two points from five matches, the newly promoted team is desperately seeking a turnaround. 

The stage is now set for a showdown of contrasting fortunes. Can Mumbai City FC maintain their momentum, or will Punjab FC finally break their winless streak? Here’s what the fixture has to offer!

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Des Buckingham and his team will aim to capitalize on Punjab FC’s recent 5-1 loss to Chennaiyin FC and inflict further damage on them. However, the Islanders need to be cautious because they will be without their main goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa, and midfielder Yoëll van Nieff. Following their loss to Al Hilal in the ACL and a home draw against Hyderabad FC, the Islanders will be hoping to secure these three crucial points.

Punjab FC

The pressure is mounting for the newly promoted ISL team as they continue to chase their first victory in the 2023-24 season. Punjab FC have struggled to find their footing, with their latest performance against Chennaiyin FC resulting in a disheartening 5-1 defeat. As they face the formidable Mumbai City FC, the challenge ahead for Punjab appear daunting. 

Injury & Team News

Mumbai City FC will be without goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa due to a red card against Hyderabad FC, while Yoëll van Nieff is serving a three-match ban. Punjab FC, too, will miss Melroy Melwin Assisi, who was red-carded against Chennaiyin FC. 

Head-to-Head

Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC will face each other for the very first time in the ISL.

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Apuia, El Khayati, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Punjab FC (4-3-3)

Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaimingthang Lhungdim, Mashoor Shereef, Dimitris Chatziisaias, Nitesh Darjee, Brandon Vanlalremdika, Nikhil Prabhu, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Juan Mera, Madih Talal, Luka Majcen

Players to Watch

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)

Jorge Pereyra Diaz is emerging as a sharpshooter in the box for the Islanders, having notched up four goals this season. With Melroy Assisi sidelined due to suspension, curbing Diaz’s prowess will pose a significant challenge for Punjab.

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

Despite scoring only one goal in five matches this season, the Slovenian’s on-field presence exerts a continuous pressure on the opposition. His ability to provide assists and occasionally find the back of the net makes him a versatile threat for Mumbai City FC.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City FC and Punjab FC are set to clash for the very first time in the history of the Indian Super League.
• Punjab FC have still not registered a win in this ISL season.

Telecast

The kick-off for the Mumbai City FC vs Punjab FC game is scheduled at 8:00 PM IST. The match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena. The live broadcast and live streaming of the game will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1 Channel/VH1 Channel) and JioCinema app, respectively. Viewers from outside India can watch the game on OneFootball.

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