Bengaluru FC host Punjab FC in key early-season clash

The Blues aim to strengthen their position as Punjab look to build momentum

Bengaluru FC are all set to welcome and host Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on February 27, 2026, as the two sides meet in the next round of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26

For Bengaluru FC, the fixture represents an opportunity to build continuity and reinforce early-season momentum. Playing at home, where they traditionally draw strength from structure and organization, the Blues will be keen to assert control and collect maximum points as the league table begins to take shape.

Punjab FC, meanwhile, arrive in Bengaluru looking to improve their standing and gather rhythm after an inconsistent start.

Still adjusting to the demands of the ISL, the visitors will view this fixture as a chance to test themselves against one of the league’s more established sides and demonstrate progress in both execution and game management.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

For Bengaluru FC, the margin for error is already narrowing. Sitting middle on the table with one win and one draw, The Blues have made a solid start, but in a season without playoffs, steady is not enough. Every dropped point directly impacts the title race, and home fixtures quickly take on added significance.

At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru know they must convert home advantage and familiarity into victories if they are to keep pace with the early frontrunners and remain firmly in the hunt for the top spot which is the only route to silverware this season.

Punjab FC

For Punjab FC, the pressure is of a different kind, but no less intense. Placed tenth after an opening defeat, the visitors are already playing catch-up. With no playoff safety net, early losses carry long-term consequences, and another setback could deepen the gap to mid-table and top-half contention.

The Shers enter the fixture knowing that points are needed not just for the table, but for belief and stability. A positive result away from home would represent a significant shift in momentum and ease early-season anxiety.

Team News

Both teams have a fully fit squad available for their upcoming fixture.

Head-to-head records

• Matches played: 7
• Bengaluru FC wins : 3
• Punjab FC wins: 2
• Draws: 2

Predicted line-ups

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Ryan Williams, Brian Sanchez, Ashique Kuriniyan, Sivasakti Narayan

Punjab FC

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Lhungdim, Pablo Santos, Pramveer Singh, Muhammed Uvais; Vinit Rai, Nikhil Prabhu; Ninthoi, Dani Ramirez, Muhammad Suhail; Vishal Yadav.

Players to watchout

Braian Sanchez (Bengaluru FC)

Braian Sánchez has emerged as a pivotal figure for Bengaluru FC in the early stages of the season. Operating as the team’s chief playmaker, Sánchez has been central to Bengaluru’s attacking rhythm, consistently finding pockets of space and creating chances through intelligent movement and precise distribution.

His influence was evident in the previous fixture against NorthEast United FC, where he not only controlled play in the final third but also found the back of the net, proving his growing impact in the final third.

With his ability to unlock defenses and arrive in goal-scoring positions, Sánchez is expected to play a key role as Bengaluru FC look to control proceedings in the upcoming fixture against the Shers.

Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

On the other end, Nikhil Prabhu represents the promise of a comparatively new generation. The young Centre-back, who has been given the responsibility of the captain’s armband at Punjab FC, has led his side with a sense of calm. Strong with his aerial duels and confident in his tackles, Nikhil Prabhu has been a calm presence at the heart of Punjab’s defense.

He is alert and composed even in high-pressure moments, which has been crucial to the team’s balance. Adding to that, Nikhil Prabhu has scored goal in the first match of the Super Cup campaign which shows his knack for attacking and making contributions at both ends of the pitch.

Did you know

• Dani Ramírez has played more than 100 games for Real Madrid reserves.
• When both teams clashed last year for the Super Cup campaign, Punjab FC defeated Bengaluru FC during the penalty shootout.

Telecast details

The Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC match will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 27th February 2026. The game will kick off at 7:30 pm IST.

With respect to the TV telecast, the match will be shown live on the Sony Ten Network. It will also be streamed online on FanCode App.

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