Punjab FC eye a winning start at home as NorthEast United chase first victory

Shers confident after the Bengaluru win, as NorthEast United aim to end winless run

Match 28 of the Indian Super League (ISL) will take us to the capital, where Punjab will welcome NorthEast United for their third league stage fixture. Both teams are placed in the middle of the table and are searching for more points to break into the top six.

While Punjab FC arrive in this match on the back of a win over Bengaluru FC, their opponents NorthEast United dropped points from a winning position in Mumbai.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

The Shers are flying high after defeating a in-form Bengaluru FC and will look to replicate their heroics against the visitors. Punjab FC started their campaign with a defeat to Jamshedpur FC before securing their first win of the season.

This will be their first home game of the 2025-26 season, and they will want to make it count. Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side possess one of the strongest backlines in the league and have conceded just one goal so far.

NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC, on the other hand are looking for a break. They have shown their spark in bits and pieces but are still in the hunt for their first three points.

Juan Pedro Benali’s side faced a humiliating defeat in their season opener before playing two back-to-back 1-1 draws in the build-up to this game.

They have been very awful at the back and have leaked five goals, the fourth highest in the league. 

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have all their players available for selection heading into this game.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played: 4

Punjab FC Wins: 1

NorthEast United FC Wins: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted Line-up

Punjab FC

Arshdeep (GK); Lhungdim, Santos, Pramveer, Uvais; Vinit, Nikhil; Kipgen, Ramirez, Osuji, Nsungusi

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet; Robin, Zabaco, Asheer, Samte; Andy, Maya, Macarton, Jairo, Jithin; Rinzuala

Players to watchout

Nsungusi Effiong (Punjab FC)

Nsungusi Effiong came as an out of syllabus question for Bengaluru FC in the last game. He stunned the Blues with his moves on the pitch and helped Punjab secure a much-needed win away from home.

He is fresh off a match winning brace and will look to build upon it against NorthEast United. His pace and maturity at the top of the order will come in very handy for the hosts.

Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

Jithin MS scored a wonderful goal for NorthEast United in the last game. He is a keen dribbler and has a very high success rate in converting half chances into goals.

Jithin’s pace and trickery with the ball have always been a point of concern for opposition defenders. The Highlanders will count upon Jithin to take them over the line and help them secure their first three points.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United are unbeaten against Punjab FC away from home
• The most recent meeting between the two sides resulted in a 1-2 win for the Highlanders
• Punjab FC have never kept a clean sheet against NorthEast United. 
• This will be the first ever ISL match to be played in Punjab

Telecast

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi where the home crowd is expected to turn up in strong numbers for this crucial clash.

Fans can catch the action live via streaming on FanCode, while the game will also be broadcast on Sony Ten 2.

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