Mohun Bagan SG face tricky test against Punjab FC in ISL 2025-26

Mohun Bagan SG will host Punjab FC on 12th April

Mohun Bagan SG are desperately looking to re-ignite their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 title charge, when they host Punjab FC in their upcoming game at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday, 12 April (2026).

The Mariners aim to end a three-match winless run, but will face a stern challenge against the unpredictable Punjab FC side in what should be a thrilling battle in the Sunday evening ISL clash.

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG have witnessed a frustrating slump in their form in recent clashes, being held to two draws and suffering a defeat in their last three ISL encounters.

They have only picked up two points from a possible nine in that period, causing them to falter to third place in the ISL table – even though they have a game in hand over Jamshedpur FC and leaders Mumbai City.

The Mariners need to produce a much more clinical performance against Punjab FC, as Sergio Lobera will need his players to be way more efficient in converting chances better to thrill their fans at their own yard.

A big win for the Mariners can give them the confidence boost required to get right back into the title race, but another draw or loss could further damage their chances of winning the ISL title.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC, meanwhile, are on a five-match unbeaten run in the 2025-26 ISL campaign and are coming at the back of compelling wins over Kerala Blasters and Mohammedan SC. They are actually only three points behind Mohun Bagan SG in the ISL table and can actually go level with the Mariners if able to pop up with a surprise win at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The Shers will be, of course, looking to keeping a sturdy defensive shape to frustrate the Mariners and force them into losing their concentration levels.

However, Panagiotis Dilmperis is going to urge his players to take the fight to the Kolkata heavyweights by launching speedy counter-attacks at them and being smart with their attacking moves to outwit their defenders.

If Punjab FC are able to get a win over the Mariners, that will be huge to prove their progress under Dilmperis, but a crushing loss would be another step back in their campaign.

Team News

Mohun Bagan SG are still without their right-back Asish Rai, who is likely to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 ISL campaign. Lalengmawia Ralte is also ruled out for this game.

Punjab FC should have the same squad as they did in their previous clash against Mohammedan SC.

Head-to-Head Record in ISL

Total matches – 4

Mohun Bagan SG wins – 4

Punjab FC wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Mohun Bagan SG (4-2-3-1):

Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Mehtab Singh, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho, Jamie Maclarnen

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1):

Arshdeep Singh (GK), Khaimingtham Lhungdim, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer, Muhammed Uvais, Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic,  Muhammad Suhail, Dani Ramirez, Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong

Players to Watchout

Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan SG)

Jamie Maclaren had a really solid start to the 2025-26 ISL campaign for Mohun Bagan SG, bagging seven goals in the first four matches of the season.

However, the goals have dried up for the Australian ace in the last three matches, where he’s failed to find the back of the net even once for Mohun Bagan SG. Maclaren has looked sloppy and inefficient in recent games, missing some key chances to earn victories for his side.

The Australian striker will look to regain his mojo in the Punjab FC clash by being a more proactive figure in the final third.

He will look to be smart with his off-the-ball runs to outwit their defenders, but will importantly have to be way more ruthless in finishing chances in a more inspired fashion to help Mohun Bagan SG get back to winning ways in style.

Nsungsi Effiong (Punjab FC)

Nsungsu Effiong has proven to be an inspiring signing for Punjab FC in the 2025-26 ISL campaign, leading their frontline in an effective manner. He has been able to score good goals in the ISL campaign so far, coming up with crucial strikes to help the Shers gain important points.

Effiong will now, of course, look to prove his credentials against the best that the Indian Super League has to offer.

The Nigerian striker will aim to be a thorn for the Mohun Bagan SG defenders by making good use of his physicality and clever runs in the final third. He will, of course, need to be extremely clinical in converting chances perfectly to be able to guide Punjab FC to their first-ever win over Mohun Bagan SG.

Did you know?

• Subhasish Bose has provided three assists in the 2025-26 ISL, the most for any player in the campaign.
• Punjab FC are averaging 17.7 tackles per match in the ISL this season, the highest for any team.
• Mohun Bagan boasts the highest average possession for any team in the 2025-26 ISL, averaging 67.5% possession per 90 minutes.

Broadcast Details

The ISL match between Mohun Bagan SG and Punjab FC will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday, 12 April (2026).

The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. It will be broadcast live on Sony Ten 2 & Sony Ten 2 HD, as well as being live-streamed on FanCode.

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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