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

Jamshedpur FC are coming after a shocking defeat to the Nizams.

Jamshedpur FC are set to revisit the National Capital of New Delhi after a year, aiming to replicate their past heroics in a high-stakes clash in ISL 2024-25. Amidst the biting chill of Delhi’s winter, the Red Miners will take on Punjab FC in a fixture that promises intensity and drama.

For Jamshedpur FC, a victory is crucial to keeping their Shield aspirations alive, while Punjab FC, buoyed by their recent performances, will look to strengthen their bid for a top-six finish. With both sides eager to claim all three points, this encounter is poised to deliver a thrilling contest under the frosty skies of Delhi.

अब दिल्ली में होगा डबल धमाल! 🦾🏟️जब भिड़ेंगे जमशेदपुरिया लोहा और पंजाब के शेर!👊🔥#JamKeKhelo #IndianSuperLeague #ISL #Football #MenOfSteel #Jamshedpur #PFCJFC pic.twitter.com/PAB1EdKoD9

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) January 27, 2025

The Stakes

Punjab FC

Punjab FC initially seemed poised for a historic season as they edged closer to breaking into the top six. However, a series of defeats and recent inconsistencies have derailed their momentum, leaving them trailing five points behind the coveted top-six spots. Their current position underscores the urgency of securing a decisive victory to reignite their playoff ambitions.

As they prepare to host Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC will aim to leverage their home advantage to turn their fortunes around. A win in this crucial fixture is imperative to keep their top-six hopes alive and restore confidence in a season that once promised much more.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC have emerged as unexpected but formidable contenders for the ISL Shield this season, showcasing brilliant form that few predicted. However, a surprising defeat to Hyderabad FC in their most recent outing saw them drop three crucial points, a setback that could heavily impact their Shield ambitions. Currently positioned fourth in the ISL standings, the Red Miners must secure a vital win over Punjab FC to close the gap on Mohun Bagan and FC Goa.

Khalid Jamil‘s men face the daunting task of ensuring nothing less than three points to keep their Shield hopes alive. Anything short of a victory could prove fatal for their aspirations, potentially confining them to a top-six finish. Jamil will need to address Jamshedpur’s defensive frailties while also working to stabilize their inconsistent away form, which has been a cause for concern throughout the season. The upcoming clash against Punjab FC is a must-win for the Red Miners to keep their title dreams intact.

Team & Injury News

Punjab FC have no injury concerns for the upcoming match. Khalid Jamil will have the luxury to pick his best combination of players from a fully fit and available side.

Head-to-head

Total Matches – 03

Punjab FC wins – 00

Jamshedpur FC wins – 02

Draws – 01

Predicted Lineups

Punjab FC (4-2-3-1)

Shabir (GK); Augustine, Meitei, Novoselec, TA Singh; Pradhan, Shabong; Suhail, Mrzljak, Suljic; Majcen

Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1) 

Albino Gomes (GK); Nikhil Barla, Pratik Chaudhari, Stephen Eze, Md Uvais; Rei Tachikawa, Sourav Das; Imran Khan, Javi Hernandez, Md Sanan; Jordan Murray

Players to watch

Ivan Novoselec (Punjab FC)

Ivan Novoselec, the 29-year-old Croatian centre-back hailing from Varazdin, has showcased remarkable consistency since joining Punjab FC in 2024. Having previously plied his trade with clubs like Lokomotiva and Istiklol, Novoselec has been a defensive linchpin for Punjab FC, especially since their Durand Cup campaign. His composed and commanding performances at the back have solidified his reputation as a cornerstone of Punjab’s defensive setup.

In addition to his defensive contributions, Novoselec has also found the back of the net, further underlining his value to the team. As Punjab FC prepares for their crucial clash against Jamshedpur FC, Novoselec will be pivotal in ensuring a clean sheet and will look to inspire the Shers to claim all three points, keeping their hopes alive in the league standings.

Jordan Murray (Jamshedpur FC)

Jordan Murray, Jamshedpur FC’s newly anointed poster boy, has been in exceptional form, playing a pivotal role in the Red Miners’ resurgence as strong contenders for the ISL Shield this season. The 29-year-old Australian striker from Wollongong boasts an impressive career, having previously plied his trade with South Coast Wolves, Central Coast Mariners, and Kerala Blasters before first joining Jamshedpur FC in 2021. Following a brief stint with Chennaiyin FC, Murray made an emotional return to the Steel City in 2024, reigniting his connection with the Red Miners.

Murray’s impact has been nothing short of transformative, with his contributions proving vital to Jamshedpur’s ambitions. Murray, a key member of the squad that clinched the ISL League Winners’ Shield during the 2021-22 season under Owen Coyle, will be eager to replicate that success.

As Jamshedpur FC look to recover from their recent defeat to Hyderabad FC, Murray’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership will be crucial in their quest to regain momentum and stay in the race for the coveted Shield.

Did you know

• Punjab FC have never won a match against Jamshedpur FC.
• Last time these two sides met at Delhi, the Red Miners thrashed the Shers 4-0.
• Jamshedpur won the reverse fixture at the Furnace 2-1.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday (28 January)

It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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