NorthEast United FC vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

Both teams will look to grab three points from the contest.

NorthEast United FC will resume proceedings at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium as they welcome Punjab FC to Guwahati. The Highlanders had won the reverse fixture in New Delhi in November 2024 but ended up on the losing end the last the Shers visited their fortress. It is a must-win game for both sides as the race for the top six gets intense. 

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders were on the receiving end of a disappointing 0-0 draw against bottom dwellers Mohammedan SC in their last outing.

Juan Pedro Benali will hope for a better performance from his side this time around and also complete a league double over the visitors. NorthEast United FC are placed sixth in the standings with 22 points, but there is hardly any scope for errors at this stage. They need to buckle up and give a good account of themselves to bounce back to winning ways. 

Punjab FC

Punjab FC on the other hand will be ever so motivated to turn things around in their favour. It’s been a season filled with ups and downs for the Shers as they’ve struggled to maintain a consistent run of good results.

They have lost all of their last four games with their last victory dating back to more than a month ago. Panagiotis Dilberis’ men have dropped nine points from winning positions which speaks volume about a lack of concentration. It’s now or never and if something has to change, it has to be now.

Injury and Team News

Hamza Regragui’s participation remains a concern for NorthEast United while Punjab FC are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 3

NorthEast United FC Wins – 1

Punjab FC Wins – 1

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineups

NorthEast United FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zobaco, B Samte; Mohammed Ali Bemmamer, Mayakkannan; Parthib Gogoi, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin MS; Guillermo Fernandes

Punjab FC (3-4-3) 

Ravi Kumar (GK); Pramveer, Melroy Assisi, Suresh Meitei; Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Leon Augustine; Asmir Suljic, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen

Players to Watch

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan striker has probably been the best foreign signing of the season in the ISL. He has shattered a lot of records and has also become NorthEast United’s record-all-time top scorer in the process.

Ajaraie is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with 14 strikes to his name in as many games. He is the only striker to have clinched doubled figures this season and has already surpassed last season’s Golden Boot winner’s tally. 

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

Luka Majcen has been one of the star performers for Punjab FC since their arrival into the Indian top flight. Majcen will return to the starting XI after serving a suspension in the last game and will hope to give a good account of himself.

He is known for his finishing and ball-carrying abilities. With five goals and three assists, the Slovenian target man has racked up the most number of goal contributions for Punjab FC this season.

Did You Know?

• The last time NorthEast United FC completed a league double over any side was back in the 2020-21 season. 
• The iconic Kolkata Derby will be played in Guwahati on January 11
• Punjab FC have scored in all of their ISL games against NorthEast United

Telecast

The NorthEast United FC vs Punjab FC game will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on January 10, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.

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 JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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