Hyderabad FC vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

Both the teams will be eager to score three points.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Hyderabad FC are all set to host Punjab FC in their upcoming fixture as they welcome them at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad. The match week 25 game is scheduled for 6 March, 2025 for two teams that are playing for pride before the end of their season.

Both clubs are fiercely determined to climb the league standings and finish their seasons off with a flourish. While the Nawabs are eager to distance themselves from the bottom half of the table, the Shers are going to be equally motivated to secure all three points and climb up the league standings.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Despite the young talent within their squad, the Nawabs have faced challenges translating their potential into consistent goal-scoring opportunities. A struggle to create goal-scoring opportunities hampered the team’s offensive efforts. A lack of clinical finishing has proven to be a recurring issue when chances are provided. This inconsistency in the final third has prevented the team from capitalizing on their attacking build-up.

Furthermore, defensive solidity remains a critical area demanding immediate attention. Recent defeats, most notably the match against East Bengal, have exposed significant vulnerabilities within the backline. The scoring of an own goal and the subsequent assist to the opposition’s second goal underscored a lack of defensive cohesion and concentration. Hyderabad FC have struggled to maintain momentum following goal-scoring successes, frequently conceding shortly after halftime. In order to rectify these deficiencies and achieve a positive outcome in their upcoming fixture, Hyderabad FC must prioritize better communication among players and a more disciplined defensive structure.

Punjab FC

Punjab FC is undoubtedly looking to rectify the shortcomings of its recent encounters with FC Goa, East Bengal FC, and Chennaiyin FC. The matches, marked by inadequate finishing and defensive lapses, resulted in a disappointing outcome. As they prepare to face Hyderabad FC, The Shers are focused on securing a crucial victory to regain momentum.

Presently occupying the tenth position in the league table, Punjab FC recognizes the need for upward movement in the ISL table, with a string of successful results. The season for the Shers has been a narrative of fluctuating fortunes. Their initial surge during the first half of the season, which saw them soar to the top 6, has been followed by a period of inconsistent performances. The team is now struggling to recapture the form that characterized their earlier success and establish a more stable narrative at the end of their season.

Team News and Injury update

Hyderabad FC and Punjab FC enter the fixture with fully fit squads, which means both teams will field the strongest possible lineups from both sides.

Head-to-Head

Matches played : 03

Hyderabad FC wins : 00

Punjab FC wins: 02

Draws : 01

Predicted line-ups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Alex Saji, Stefan Sapic, Abdul Rabeeh, Manoj Mohammed; Ayush Adhikari, Andrei Alba; Ramhlunchhunga, Joseph Sunny, Devendra Murgaokar; Edmilson Correia

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Ravi Kumar (GK) ; Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzljak, Muhammad Suhail, Ezequiel Vidal, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen

Players to watch for

Arshdeep Singh (Hyderabad FC)

Arshdeep Singh’s return from injury has been a significant boost for Hyderabad FC, reaffirming his status as the team’s primary Goalkeeper. Despite missing a portion of the season, his performances have been consistently strong, marked by two crucial clean sheets in 14 appearances. His shot-stopping abilities are exceptional, as evidenced by his impressive tally of 51 saves, translating to an average of over three saves per game.

Furthermore, his role in the team’s defence is highlighted by his 125 recoveries. These statistics underscore Arshdeep Singh’s crucial contribution to Hyderabad FC’s defensive efforts, solidifying his position as one of the team’s key players.

Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

Nikhil Prabhu has emerged as a key player for Punjab FC, showing exceptional defensive power throughout the season. His tally of 55 interceptions stands as the highest among defenders in the league, which shows his ability to read the game and disrupt opposition attacks. Furthermore, his dominance in duels, 100 won, and 76 recoveries underscore his effectiveness in regaining possession.

Beyond his defensive contributions, Nikhil Prabhu has also shown an ability to contribute to the team’s attack, creating seven scoring opportunities. His leadership qualities have also been evident, particularly in his role as captain during recent matches, thus solidifying his status as a key player for Punjab FC.

Did you know?

• Punjab FC have won the previous two matches against Hyderabad FC.
• Punjab FC have not kept a clean sheet in 13 matches.
• Hyderabad FC have scored five goals in their last five matches while Punjab FC have scored three goals in their last five matches.

Telecast details

The Hyderabad FC VS Punjab FC game kicks off at 07:30 PM IST, at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on 06th March 2025.

Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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