Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

An early season top of the table clash between potential title contenders.

Bengaluru FC returns to action in the Indian Super League (ISL) after their international break as they gear up to host early-season contenders Punjab FC. Both sides remain unbeaten and have made flying starts to their ISL campaigns. A high-stakes encounter with a win for either side will likely affirm their title credentials this season.

Only a mere point separates the two teams despite the Blues having played an extra game. Both teams have displayed great attacking football and defensive solidity this season. The fixture promises to be a goal-scoring fest and could be the hottest ticket in town this week at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

The Blues will be looking to get back to their attacking best after an evenly matched 0-0 draw against Mumbai City FC. Gerard Zaragoza’s men have made the Sree Kanteerava a fortress having won six games in a row at home.

The Spaniard seems to have found the perfect balance in defence and attack this season. Apart from their struggles to find the back of the net against Mumbai City FC, the Blues have laid down the marker this season.

Punjab FC

The Shers on the contrary will be looking to make it four wins in four matches in their ISL history. Panagiotis Dilmperis’ men have been on a roll this season while picking up impressive wins over Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, and Kerala Blasters FC.

Punjab has extended their free-scoring run against Hyderabad FC in their 2-0 outing while earning an invaluable clean sheet. Looking to keep their momentum going, Dilmperis’ men will be looking to spring another upset at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Injury and Team News

The Shers will continue to be without Slovenian forward Luka Majcen who is out with a broken jaw while Bengaluru FC are expected to field a fully fit XI.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 5

Bengaluru FC Wins – 2

Punjab FC Wins – 1

Draws – 2

ALSO READ: Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC: All-time head-to-head

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh; Vinith Venkatesh, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1) 

Ravi Kumar (GK); Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh; Nikhil Prabhu, Vinit Rai; Nihal Sudeesh, Filip Mrzjlak, Ezequiel Vidal; Mushaga Bakenga

Players to Watch

Edgar Mendez ( Bengaluru FC)

Mendez has been an influential figure for the Blues this season scoring a goal and two assists this season. Apart from his tireless work rate and veteran presence, Mendez has re-energized the Blues and his partner-in-crime Sunil Chettri. The pair have been electric in attack for Bengaluru boosting the expectations of their die-hard fanbase.

The Shers will have to quell the threat posed by Mendez and restrict his influence in attack to have any chance of a victory at the Sree Kanteerava. Coach Dilmperis will be hoping for an off day from Mendez on the pitch in what could turn out to be a real test for Punjab’s defense. 

Filip Mrzljak (Punjab FC)

In the absence of Luka Majcen, Filip Mrzljak stepped up from midfield to lead the charge for Punjab FC. The Croatian will be the man to watch out for the Blues as he has contributed with two goals and an assist this season.

The 31-year-old has shown his quality for Punjab and is their top scorer in the league. He has shown the ability to beat his marker and initiate deadly counter-attacks for his team on the break.

His last outing against Punjab FC highlighted this ability when he poached on a rebound to apply the finishing touches in the 71st minute. Coach Zaragoza will have to counter Mrzljak’s threat in order to ensure his team walks away with all three points on Friday. 

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC haven’t conceded a single goal at home this season. The Blues have won all of their matches from winning positions this season. 
• Bengaluru FC scores 1.6 goals in a match against Punjab FC while Punjab FC scores 1.4 goals in a match against Bengaluru FC (on average).
• Bengaluru FC have lost just one of their last five outings against Punjab FC in all competitions.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on 18th October 2024. It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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