East Bengal look to maintain top spot in ISL 2025-26 against a proven Punjab FC at home

Youssef Ezzejjari leads the ISL golden boot race

East Bengal FC are set to face Punjab FC in a crucial home fixture. The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season title race has been heating up gradually as the league enters the business end of this current edition.

Points gap is the main thing right now for many teams, and some are fighting to climb the points table for survival and get the rid out of the relegation zone. The Red and Gold Brigade is currently at the very top of the table after Mohun Bagan SG dropped points against FC Goa.

Punjab FC, on the other side of the play, defeated Chennaiyin FC with a narrow score line of – in their hand. They find themselves seventh on the ISL table as a win over East Bengal will put them third on the table as they also have points then.

East Bengal FC look to stay top of the table as they are set to host Punjab FC at home on Monday, May 11th, 2026, from 19:30 IST at the Salt Lake Stadium.

A home advantage will be a pivotal thing for The Torchbearers in this fixture. Both sides will look to put their best possible efforts in this game as three points are on the cards.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

Right now, they are simply in incredible form under Oscar Bruzon. Earlier, there were many questions regarding the Spanish coach’s tactical changes, but right now the result has paid off in every aspect of the game.

They thrashed Odisha FC 3-0 and also beat Mumbai City FC in their last game 2-1. East Bengal FC have been on a seven-match undefeated run, which defined their consistency as they placed top of the table with 21 points.

A win over The Shers in a crucial fixture like this will keep them at the first on the table. As earlier, Oscar Bruzon said that this will be his last few matches as the head coach of the team, and he will surely look to defeat Punjab FC.

Against Punjab FC, the partnership of Miguel and Youssef will be the key for the Red and Gold Brigade. Effiong might cause a threat to the defence of East Bengal, Kevin Sibille locks in his defensive awareness to protect the goal at home.

Punjab FC

The Shers are ready to visit the City of Joy after they defeated Chennaiyin FC at home, which placed them seventh on the ISL table with 18 points. But the ISL race is heating up, as the point gap is just three points from the top. A win over any team will open up the ISL title race at any moment.

After the game against Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium, Punjab FC look very impressive with the brand of football they have played.

In defence, they will miss Nikhil Prabhu cause the attack of the East Bengal FC is running riot this season with their goals. The statistics said that they scored the most goals this season. Punjab FC looks to make some tactics to stop the attack of the hosts.

Team News

Oscar Bruzon is going to miss Naorem Mahesh Singh, who is ruled out because of injuries.

For Punjab FC, Nikhil Prabhu and Muhammad Suhail will miss the game due to an injury.

Head-to-Head Record in ISL

Total Matches – 4

East Bengal wins – 2

Punjab FC wins – 1

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineups

Punjab FC (4-3-3) 

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Pramveer, Muhammed Uvais; Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez; Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong, Manglenthang Kipgen.

East Bengal FC (4-3-3)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Jeakson Singh, Kevin Sibille, Anwar Ali, PV Vishnu, Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo, Miguel Figuera, Bipin Singh, Edmund Lalrindika, Youssef Ezzejjari

Players to Watchout

Bipin Singh (East Bengal FC)

Bipin Singh has emerged as the most important attacking outlet for East Bengal FC. He played a good brand of football when they faced Mumbai City FC. Against his former club, he displayed the line-breaking passes from the wide areas and looked very sharp while tracking back.

A profile like Bipin Singh can be a pivotal player for Oscar Bruzon, as the veteran forward might lead the line with his immense experience.

His ability to cut inside and score for the team will be effective against a team like Punjab FC, whose recent form has been good. Bipin Singh was adjudged the man of the match in their past game against Odisha FC, where he scored one goal and gave one assist.

Nsungusi Effiong (Punjab FC)

Effiong Nsungusi, the forward of the visiting side, might be threatening against the East Bengal defence throughout the game. The Nigerian forward, who has an immense attacking intent and versatility, instantly became a sharp player in the next match.

His ability to score and find the back of the net is a threat. His brace against Bengaluru FC or the clever backheel against the Highlanders make him a constant threat in the final third.

He has seven goals under his name, just three goals behind Youssef. As the defensive stage of the game, East Bengal FC looked very sharp off the ball and on the ball also, but they have to stay alert. The partnership between Dani Ramirez from the middle of the park and Effiong in the final third might haunt the home side.

Telecast details

East Bengal FC look to stay top of the table as they are set to host Punjab FC at home on Monday, May 11th, 2026, from 19:30 IST at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Fans will be able to watch the match live on FanCode, which will stream all ISL fixtures during the 2025–26 season.

Live television coverage of the match will be available on Sony TEN 2. Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

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