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

Odisha FC will take on Punjab FC in the last match of match week 21 in ISL

Odisha FC will lock horns against Punjab FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday evening in the Indian Super League (ISL). As the season is coming to an end and few matches are left to be played the race for the top six spots are heating up and both the teams are in this race and winning the remaining fixture is crucial for them.

Both teams have been very inconsistent in their performance and surely will look to not repeat the same mistakes again and again in the upcoming fixtures. Both teams will have to be at their best to get a positive result in the upcoming match.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

Odisha FC faced defeat to the Gaurs away from home as they lost by 2-1. They did have a good chance of getting points from the match but the red card of Ahmed Jahouh made the difference in the result. Despite being so experienced the Moroccan has repeatedly made mistakes this season which cost his team. The senior players are not stepping up when their team needs them the most.

Lobera will be back on the touchlines and will hope to get a result as the Juggernauts will miss their two most experienced player Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall. If they fail to make it to the top six it will be a huge upset for them. This fixture will surely boost their morale if they win at home.

Punjab FC

The Shers got trashed when they faced the Mariners at their home as they lost the game by 3-0. Individual mistakes have cost Punjab FC a lot this season and surely it has made the job of coaching staff complicated. In the first half of the season, they were flying up top in the table but after that, they have consistently dropped points and let other teams surpass them.

Punjab do have a good squad which can get them results but they need to be focused and avoid any errors as the Juggernauts are really good at taking advantage of these situations.

Injury and Team News

Ahmed Johouh and Mourtada Fall will be suspended for the upcoming fixtures for the home side. The rest of the players are fit to play. For the Shers, all players are fit and will be available for the match.

Head-to-Head

Games Played: 3

Odisha FC: 1

Punjab FC: 2

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

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

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado, Thoiba Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Rohit Kumar, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Dorielton Gomes, Diego Mauricio

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

Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Even though this season has been full of ups and downs for the Juggernauts, the Moroccan-Frenchman has been a positive for them. As usual, Hugo Boumous is helping his team get results. Although his stats may not look very impressive, he is the main creative force for the Juggernauts. Lobera fully trusts him, and he has delivered. He will hope to continue his fine form for the rest of the matches to ensure the team’s top-six spot. In 17 games, he has scored three goals and has provided five assists.

Ivan Novoselec (Punjab FC)

The Croatian has been probably one of the best signings of the season as he always gives his best on the pitch and ensures that his team perform well defensively. Even though in the last few fixtures they did have conceded goals cheaply Novoselec’s performance has been top-notch. He is probably the best center back in the league and without his absence, the Shers suffer a lot defensively. He is someone who is very good st winning ground as well as aerial duels. Novoselec’s performance will be very important in the upcoming fixtures as Punjab are still in the race of the top six.

Did you Know?

• The winner of their last meeting was Ivan Novoselec
• When Odisha FC leads 1-0 at home, they win 50% of their matches
• The average number of goals in meetings between Odisha FC and Punjab FC is 2.64

Telecast

The Odisha FC vs Punjab FC match will be played at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday (10th February 2025). The game will kick off at 07:30 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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