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

The Shers are fighting for their playoff future when they take on the Gaurs on Thursday.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Punjab FC will be desperate to win all three points when they face FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. A must-win game for the Shers as they face a Gaurs side who have already booked their place in the playoffs.

As the clubs near the end of the regular season, each game is of utmost importance. All three points for Panagiotis Dilmperis’ men keeps their playoff hopes alive, while a loss will mean the end of their contention.

The Stakes

Punjab FC

The Shers have struggled for consistency after a strong start to their 2024-25 ISL campaign. Punjab has ran out of steam towards the business end of the season, recording only one win in their last five games.

They currently sit joint 10th in the ISL standings with 24 points from 21 league games. A win against FC Goa will be crucial for the club’s playoff hopes which is hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

FC Goa

The Gaurs have sealed their playoff qualification and will be aiming to end their season strongly with a win in matchweek 24. With three games remaining in their season, Marquez will have the opportunity to tinker with his starting XI before the high-octane playoffs.

While Goa will be expected to operate with a rotated side, the Spaniard might have a different plan up his sleeve. Against the Shers, the club has an opportunity to gather more winning momentum as they look to capture the ISL title.

ALSO READ: ISL: Top five clubs with most wins in history

Injury and Team News

Both sides doesn’t have any injury issues going into this fixture and all players will be available for selection for the respective head coaches.

Head-to-Head Record

Games Played: 3

Punjab FC wins: 0

FC Goa wins: 2

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

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

FC Goa (4-2-3-1)

Hrithik Tiwari (GK), Aakash Sangwan, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Odei Onaindia, Boris Singh, Borja Herrera, Sahil Tavora, Brison Fernandes, Mohammad Yasir, Iker Guarrotxena, Armando Sadiku

Players to Watch

Filip Mrzlijak (Punjab FC)

The Croatian’s form has unfortunately been synonymous with Punjab FC’s fortunes during their 2024-25 ISL campaign. In 17 appearances for the Shers this season, Mrzjlak has contributed with four goals and two assists to his name so far this season.

His presence against the Gaurs will be the difference maker for Punjab FC in Thursday’s game once again. A good game for Mrzjlak will ultimately determine whether the club will be in playoff contention after the 90 minutes.

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spaniard is in fine form and this is the time when the Gaurs will be counting on him to build on his electrifying form. The former Athletic Bilbao talisman is known for his work rate and dedication on the pitch. The veteran acts as a leader on the pitch and leads the team upfront.

He did miss fixtures at the start due to injuries but has been unstoppable since returning to the sides. In 17 appearances this season, the 32-year-old has contributed with six goals and two assists. The Shers’ fanbase will be hoping the Spaniard has an off night, or it will be a hard watch for their money.

Did You Know?

• Punjab FC haven’t scored in only one of their last 11 home games this season.
• When FC Goa leads 0-1 away from home, they win 62% of their matches.
• When Punjab FC leads 1-0 at home, they win 71% of their matches.
• The average number of goals in games between Punjab FC and FC Goa is 3.33.

Telecast

The Punjab FC vs FC Goa match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday (27th 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 Hotstar. International viewers can also watch the game on One Football App.

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