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

The last meeting between these sides in the ISL ended in a draw.

The 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season is about to reach its business with all the clubs fighting for something or the other. Five clubs are fighting for the top spot while six clubs are battling it out against each other for the sixth position.

Next up, NorthEast United will host Punjab FC in Guwahati as they return to their base after three back-to-back away games. Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in New Delhi earlier in the season. 

The Stakes

NorthEast United

The Highlanders’ top six aspirations received a blow following their 2-2 draw against Hyderabad. It was a game which they were expected to win, but they gave away a 0-2 lead and dropped two crucial points on the road. 

Juan Pedro Benali’s men currently find themselves outside of the top-six after their draw against the Nizams. The pressure and stakes are very high for the Highlanders going into the game because any slip-ups at this stage will cost them heavily.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC on the other hand have found their mojo in the league ever since the turn of the year. They have looked a completely different unit after the winter break. They are also in the quest for a spot in the top-six and can very well go the distance if things go their way.

Punjab have had an excellent away form this year as they have won both of their away games this season. They come into this game after a 2-3 defeat to Mumbai City FC at home in their last game and will be keen to turn things around in Guwahati.

Injury and Team News

Asheer Akhtar will miss the game for NorthEast United due to the accumulation of seven yellow cards. Tomi Juric and Hamza Regragui are also doubtful for the Highlanders. Punjab FC are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection. 

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 1

NorthEast United Wins – 0 

Punjab FC Wins – 0

Draws – 1

Predicted Line-up

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Dinesh Singh, Gaurav Bora, Michel Zobaco (C), Buanthanglun Samte, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Nestor Albiach, Phalguni Singh, Redeem Tlang, Parthib Gogoi, Jithin MS

Punjab FC

Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Nitesh Darjee, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahil Tavora, Madih Talal, Ricky Shabong, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Luka Majcen

Players to watch

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United)

Parthib Gogoi is NorthEast United’s second highest goal-scorer with four goals this season. The youngster is known for his shooting skills and loves to shoot from outside the box. All his four goals this season, including a goal against Punjab FC, have come from outside the box. Moreover, he ended his goal-drought in the last match and will be keen to build upon it.

Wilmar Jordan Gil (Punjab FC)

The Colombian striker has been in red hot form this season having scored four goals. His physicality, pace and chemistry with Madih Talal form an unstoppable force for Punjab FC. He will look to score more goals in Guwahati as he returns to the place where his ISL career began last season.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United FC have dropped 15 points from winning positions in this ISL season.
• Punjab FC’s Wilmar Jordan Gil is NorthEast United’s record top-scorer having scored a 15 goals for them last season (across all competitions).
• Both sides played out a draw the last time they came up against each other.

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs Punjab FC game in ISL 2023-24 kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on March 7, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the 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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