Kalinga Super Cup 2024: Mumbai City FC vs Punjab FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis will not be present in the match.

Mumbai City FC commenced their Kalinga Super Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala in the group stage. Ayush Chhikara and Abdenasser El Khayati were the goal scorers, sealing the win in the 97th minute. Despite recent defensive vulnerabilities, with their last match exposing lapses, the Islanders, under the helm of manager Petr Kratky, have secured three wins in their last five outings.

Looking to build on their opening draw, Punjab FC, who shared points with Chennaiyin FC in a 1-1 result, will aim for their first win in the tournament. The upcoming Group C clash on Tuesday pits Mumbai City against Punjab FC, promising an intriguing battle as both teams strive for supremacy in the Kalinga Super Cup. 

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Defending ISL champions Mumbai City FC secured a hard-fought victory against Gokulam Kerala in their opening group stage encounter. However, their coach, Petr Kratky, remains concerned about defensive vulnerabilities that were exposed in the previous match. With a shaky defensive performance, Mumbai City acknowledges the formidable challenge presented by Punjab FC in the upcoming fixture.

Petr Kratky’s apprehension stems from the awareness that facing Punjab is no easy task. The squad, led by Staikos Vergetis, is a resilient opponent, and Mumbai City anticipates a stern test of their defensive capabilities. As they prepare to counter Punjab’s threats, Mumbai City recognizes the significance of shoring up their defence to withstand the challenges posed by their formidable adversaries in the pursuit of further success in the ongoing campaign.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC confronts a pivotal clash against Mumbai City FC in Group C, fueled by the urgency for their maiden victory after a 1-1 draw with Chennaiyin. The stakes are heightened as they navigate challenges without coach Staikos Vergetis, who received a red card in the previous match, leaving a void on the sidelines. Furthermore, the absence of influential player Amarjit Singh Kiyam, sidelined due to a red card, intensifies the hurdles for Punjab. 

Striving to make a mark against the reigning ISL champions, Punjab FC faces a daunting task. Overcoming these setbacks becomes imperative as they seek to solidify their standing in the Kalinga Super Cup, emphasising the significance of a positive outcome against Mumbai City FC to advance and make a lasting impression in the tournament.

Injury and Team News

Rahul, Akash, Mehtab, Apuia, Chhangte & Vikram are currently in Qatar, helping the Indian National Football team in their AFC Asian Cup campaign. Whereas Punjab FC will be without Amarjit Singh Kiyam and their coach Staikos Vergetis.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches- 1

Mumbai City FC wins – 1

Punjab FC wins – 0

Draw – 0

Predicted Lineups

Mumbai City FC 

Phurba Lachenpa, Franklin Nazareth, Sanjeev Stalin, Valpuia, Nathan Rodrigues, Jayesh Rane, Vinit Rai, Alberto Noguera, Yoell Van Nieff, Aysh Chhikara, Abdenasser El Khayati

Punjab FC

Kiran Chemjong, Tekcham Singh, Dimitrios Chatzlisaias, Nitesh Darjee, N Meitei, Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong, Madih Talal, Vincy Barreto, Wilmar Jordan, Luka Majcen

Players to watch

El Khayati (Mumbai City FC)

El Khayati, a formidable force and among Mumbai’s premier attacking talents, stands out as a potent threat on the field. His goal-scoring prowess was evident in the Kalinga Super Cup clash against Gokulam Kerala FC, where he successfully opened his account. 

This accomplishment not only underscores his individual skill but also highlights his crucial role in Mumbai City FC’s offensive strategies. As one of the team’s key contributors, El Khayati’s ability to find the back of the net adds a dynamic edge to Mumbai’s attacking prowess, making him a player to watch against Punjab FC.

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

The Slovenian dynamo for Punjab FC is a relentless force on the field, continuously applying pressure on the opposition. His multifaceted skill set goes beyond conventional roles, excelling in delivering crucial assists and occasionally finding the back of the net. This versatility makes him a potent and unpredictable threat for Punjab FC, keeping defenders on high alert. 

His on-field presence transforms the team’s dynamics, adding an element of unpredictability that elevates Punjab FC’s attacking capabilities. In the intricate chessboard of football strategy, the Slovenian’s contributions emerge as a constant and formidable asset for the team, promising to play a crucial role for Punjab FC in their campaign.

Did you know?

• Staikos Vergetis won’t be on the sidelines for Punjab FC.
• Last time, both the teams faced each other in the current ISL season, where Mumbai City FC won 2-1.

Telecast

The Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha on January 16th, 2024. The Mumbai City vs Punjab FC match can be streamed live on the Jio Cinema app and website.

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