Chennaiyin FC vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Both Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC need three points to keep their top-six hopes alive

The race for the top six spots is getting heated up as we enter the last few league games of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season. With a crucial playoff spot on the line, Punjab FC travel to Chennai to face the Marina Machans on Saturday.

The Stakes

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC picked up a dominant win over East Bengal last Saturday. However, the Marina Machans are staring down the barrel with 21 points in 20 ISL games. Even a single loss from here will end CFC’s hopes of a playoff spot.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC have struggled for consistency after a strong start to their 2024-25 ISL campaign. The Shers drew their last game against Odisha FC and are currently 9th in the ISL standings with 24 points from 19 league games. A win against Chennaiyin FC will be crucial for PFC’s playoff hopes.

Injury Concerns and Team News

For Chennaiyin FC, Laldinliana Renthlei has a dislocated shoulder and is not available. Laldinpuia will also be suspended for the game. As for Punjab FC, Suresh Meitei and Ivan Novoselec are suspended from the game after picking up their respective fourth yellow cards this ISL season.

Head-to-Head Stats

Number of games played in all competitions: 4

Games won by Chennaiyin FC: 1

Games won by Punjab FC: 2

Games that ended in a draw: 1

Predicted Line-ups

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Mohammed Nawaz (GK), Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Elsinho, Ryan Edwards, Pritam Kotal, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jitender Singh, Connor Shields, Kiyan Nassiri, Irfan Yadwad, Wilmar Jordan Gil

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Melroy Assisi, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Leon Augustine, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal, Asmir Suljic Petros Giakoumakis

Players to Watch

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Connor Shields played a key role in Chennaiyin FC’s 3-0 win over East Bengal. The Scotsman has created the most chances in the 2024-25 ISL season and has 8 assists and a goal to his name. Seeking another win, Connor Shields will once again be the player to watch for Owen Coyle’s side.

Filip Mrzlijak (Punjab FC)

Filip Mrzlijak’s form has been synonymous with Punjab FC’s run in their 2024-25 ISL campaign. The Croatian has 4 goals and 2 assists to his name so far this season and his presence will be the difference maker for Punjab FC in Saturday’s game once again.

Did You Know?

• Punjab FC beat Chennaiyin FC 3-2 in the reverse fixture back in October 2024
• Chennaiyin FC have won just one of their nine ISL games at home this season
• Punjab FC lost 5-1 to Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena last season
• Punjab FC have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 ISL games

Telecast

The Chennaiyin FC vs Punjab FC match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Saturday (15th February 2025). The game will kick-off at 5:00 pm IST. The match will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and Star Sports 3. It will also be streamed online on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the game on One Football App.

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