ISL 2023-24: East Bengal aim to build momentum against Punjab FC

East Bengal defeated Punjab FC earlier this season in the Durand Cup.

East Bengal will look to maintain their momentum from the brilliant win over NorthEast United when they host Punjab FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday (9 December).

The Red & Gold Brigade are now eyeing a place in the ISL playoffs spot, but need to string together a few wins to get closer to their objective and improve the confidence levels in the squad.

The Stakes

East Bengal

East Bengal are flying high after their 5-0 thrashing of NorthEast United, as they finally seem to be flying under Carles Cuadrat. However, consistency is key if the Red & Gold Brigade aim to move up the table. They have to use that momentum to produce an electric performance against Punjab and also be at their clinical best in the final third.

A win is necessary for East Bengal to build on a winning run during this December period. A draw could be a disappointing drawback that holds them back from seriously getting into the playoffs spot, while a loss undoes all the good work they did in the NorthEast United win.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC are still searching for their first-ever win in the ISL since getting promoted to the competition earlier this season. They have produced some admirable performances against the big guns, but failed to get themselves over the line in actually winning a game.

They’ll be gunning to ruin East Bengal’s party and try to expose their vulnerabilities to finally get a win. A victory in this game can properly help kickstart the Warriors’ campaign and move themselves closer to the playoff spot. Another loss could end their playoff dream once and for all and leave them wrangling to the bottom half of the table.

Injury & Team News

Harmanjot Khabra sustained a knee injury against NorthEast United and is unlikely to be playing for a while. Punjab FC have a fit roster to choose from.

Head-to-Head

East Bengal and Punjab FC met each other earlier this campaign in the Durand Cup, where the Kolkata giants picked up a 1-0 win.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Mohammad Rakip, Lalchungnunga, Hijazi Maher, Mandar Rao Dessai, Souvik Chakraborty, Saul Crespo, Borja Herrera, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Dimitris Chatziisaias, Nitesh Darjee, Ashis Pradhan, Nikhil Prabhu, Prasanth K, Madih Talal, Juan Mera Gonzalez, Luka Majcen

Players to Watch

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton Silva seems to be getting better as the season is progressing and is playing like a more rounded forward, which is really helping his side click in the attack. He’ll aim to maintain his energetic vibe in his half, coming in deep at times to help build up the attacking moves and also creating chances for his teammates with clever passes in the final third.

But Cleiton’s biggest responsibility will be to finish off the chances created and torment the Punjab FC defenders with his movement and finishing ability in the final third. The Brazilian has to lead like a leader and do his job as perfectly as possible to help East Bengal maintain their momentum against Punjab FC.

Juan Mera Gonzalez (Punjab FC)

Juan Mera Gonzalez will go up against his former side on Saturday, having spent a season at the club back in 2019-20. He has been playing quite well in the ISL this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in eight games. The Spaniard is a menace through the attacking areas, being able to create chances with his innovative passes.

He is fluid with his passing and can really unnerve the opposition’s backline with his cutting-edge passes. Juan Mera will aim to be a nightmare for his former side, breaking their backline with his smart passes and also trying to get into the major scoring areas to get among the goals too!

Did you know?

• Cleiton Silva is the joint highest-scorer in the ISL so far this season with five goals in seven matches.
• Punjab FC are only one of the two sides (alongside Hyderabad FC) yet to win a match in the ISL 2023-24.
• Nandhakumar Sekar has three assists in the ISL, the second-most for an Indian player in this edition.

Telecast

The East Bengal vs Punjab FC game kicks off at 8 PM IST, at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on 9 December. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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