East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

The Torchbearers will be looking to get back on track with a win against the high-flying Shers.

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC will look to bounce back from their disappointing 1-2 loss against Odisha FC when they face off against the experienced Punjab FC side at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on December 17.

The Red & Gold Brigade will be focussed on getting back on track as they look to make a dramatic late push towards the playoffs spot. However, they will face a Punjab side, who are looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Jamshedpur FC.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

Head coach Oscar Bruzon will be determined to produce positive results as the team heads towards the business end of the season. The 47-year-old has to ensure his side returns to its defensive best after losing their three-game unbeaten streak. The Torchbearers will have to shore up defensively against a potent Punjab FC side, who will be an ever-present threat as an attacking unit.

The gaffer will also urge his forwards to be more clinical and finish off chances better, with the club being the third-lowest-scoring team in the league. A win will uplift the spirits and beliefs of a club full of quality, who have had an underwhelming start to the season. While mounting a top-6 run will be unlikely, the club desperately needs a win again in the matchweek 13.

Punjab FC

The Shers have shown signs of mid-season struggles despite a flying start to the season. Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has been a positive influence on the side with the club in a great position for a deep playoff run. Currently holding the fifth spot, the Shers can make a stride upwards with a big result against the Torchbearers.

The last game witnessed the Shers slump to a tough 2-1 loss against Jamshedpur FC. The club and coach Dilmperis will be looking to shrug off that bad result with an improved performance against the Torchbearers. A big win over East Bengal could help Punjab re-establish themselves as a legitimate contender this season. Dropping points again could be a cause for concern for a team, who were aiming for big things this season.

Team & Injury News

East Bengal FC

Saul Crespo is expected to miss a few games after getting injured against Chennaiyin FC, while Madih Talal has been ruled out for the season. Dimitrios Diamantakos is also struggling with an issue before the match. Jeakson Singh is suspended due to a red card.

Punjab FC

The Shers will have a fully-fit squad raring to go against East Bengal FC.

Head-to-head

Total Matches – 11

East Bengal wins – 5

Punjab FC wins– 2

Draws – 4

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Mohamed Rakip, Hijazi Maher, Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Jeakson Singh, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Nanda Kumar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, PV Vishnu, Cleiton Silva

Punjab FC (4-3-3)

Muheet Shabir (GK); Leon Augustine, Nongmeikapam Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, TA Singh; Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzlijak, Ricky Shabong; Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen, Nihal Sudeesh

Players to Watch

Anwar Ali (East Bengal FC)

The 29-year-old will once again be a huge player for the Torchbearers against the Shers. Ali has been at the heart of the defense for East Bengal and has started in 90% of their games this season. With a steel-like determination to stop attackers, he gave it his all yet again against Odisha FC.

While they did lose 2-1 on the night, Anwar Ali will be determined to put in an improved performance against the Shers. A good night for Ali will be emblematic of a good night for the Torchbearers.

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

The Slovenian centre-forward has been the go-to man for Punjab FC this season. He has been a consistent performer after his emphatic return from injury. The 32-year-old provided the assist for teammate Ezequiel Vidal to get the Shers back in the game against Jamshedpur.

While the result didn’t go in their favour, the Slovenian will be determined to put things right this time around. In seven league games this season, the Slovenian has scored 5 goals and assisted 3 goals. He will once again be in the spotlight against the Torchbearers.

Did you know?

• East Bengal FC are winless in their last two meetings against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League.
• Punjab FC have kept one clean sheet in their previous six away games in the Indian Super League.
• Punjab FC have scored the second most goals (12) in the second half of games this season, trailing only Kerala Blasters FC (13).

Telecast Details

The East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC clash will be taking place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on Tuesday (17 December). It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and be live-streamed on Jio Cinema. International viewers can catch the action on the OneFootball app.

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