ISL 2023-24: Punjab FC vs Bengaluru FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Punjab FC are yet to win against Bengaluru FC.

The Indian Super League (ISL) got back underway for the second phase of the 2023-24 season after a one month break. After three games in three days, the focus now shifts to Bengaluru FC’s away clash against Punjab FC.

The Blues have made changes in their squad during the break while Punjab FC have kept things pretty unchanged. Both sides produced a six goal thriller the last time they came across each other.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

Punjab FC have had a forgetful debut season in the Indian top flight. They have failed to adjust to the pace and heat of the league which has resulted in a below par performance from them. However, they have looked much better after every game.

They got their first win in the ISL against Chennaiyin before losing 1-0 to Odisha in their last match before the break. Moreover, they also had a decent Kalinga Super Cup campaign as they wrapped up two points in three matches.

Bengaluru FC

The Blues have just not looked the same for quite some time. Their troubles continue to unfold both on and off the pitch. They became the first side to change their head coach this season, but the results haven’t changed much.

The former champions are winless in their last four games across all competitions. They had a very disappointing Kalinga Super Cup as they finished third in Group D with just one point in three matches.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection ahead of the game.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 4

Punjab FC Wins – 0

Bengaluru FC Wins – 2

Draws – 2

Predicted Line-up

Punjab FC (4-4-2)

Kiran Chemjong (GK), K Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Dimitros Chatziisaias, Nitesh Darjee; Prashant K, Ashis Pradhan, Nikhil Prabhu, Krishnananda Singh; Jordan Wilmar Gil, Luka Majcen.

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK),  Roshan Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Slavko Damjanovic, Keziah Veendorp, Suresh Singh, Shankar Sampingiraj, Javi Hernandez, Holicharan Narzary, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri (C)

Players to watchout for

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

The Spaniard has been the best player for Punjab FC in their debut ISL campaign. He has led the side from the front and has set an example for others to follow.

Luka is lethal in front of goal and has three goals to show for his efforts. Moreover, he is also Punjab FC’s top scorer in the top tier league.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Chhetri is doing what he does best. The skipper has been a prime example of hard work, consistency and resilience over the years and continues to do so.

Although Bengaluru FC are not having a good campaign, Chhetri has still managed to rack up good numbers. He has five goal contributions including three goals and two assists to his name this season.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC have signed Chinglensana Singh and Danish forward Oliver Drost
• Punjab have acquired the services of Bidyashagar Singh, Bryce Miranda and Isaac Vanmalwawma
• Both teams have scored 11 goals in four matches.

Telecast

The Punjab FC vs Bengaluru FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the JLN Stadium, New Delhi on 3 February, 2024. 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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