Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Both Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters are currently outside the playoff zone.

Targeting their first appearance in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs, Punjab FC will welcome the Kerala Blasters to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. With both clubs eyeing crucial three points, who will come out on top? 

The Stakes

Punjab FC

The Shers have lost their last three ISL games with the latest being a 3-1 loss to Mohun Bagan last week. Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side have picked up 18 points from 12 Indian Super League (ISL) games so far and are currently 8th in the league table. 

Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters are also struggling for form like Punjab FC. Having lost four of their last five ISL games, the Tuskers are currently tenth in the league table with 14 points from 14 ISL games. A 1-0 loss against Jamshedpur FC in their last game means the pressure has piled up as a playoff berth seems to be slipping away from them. 

Injury Concerns and Team News

Punjab FC: Ezequiel Vidal is suspended as he picked up a red card against Mohun Bagan. Ivan Novoselec and Filip Mrzljak are also injured and are unlikely to feature against the Kerala Blasters. Luka Majcen is suspended.

Kerala Blasters: Vibin Mohanan, Jesus Jimenez, and Mohammed Aimen are injured and are unlikely to feature against Punjab FC. 

Head-to-head

Total Matches played: 5

Punjab FC wins: 2

Kerala Blasters wins: 2

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

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

Kerala Blasters (4-3-3)

Sachin Suresh (GK), Naocha Singh, Milos Drincic, Pritam Kotal, Sandeep Singh, Freddy, Danish Bhat, Korou Singh, Noah Sadaoui, Adrian Luna, Kwame Peprah

Players to Watch

Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

Nikhil Prabhu has been fantastic with his performance in recent games and will look to keep away from the Kerala Blasters attack. Prabhu has been influential with his strong tackles and also measured passes. In his 12 appearances for Punjab FC, he has made 50 recoveries and 36 interceptions making a name for himself.

Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters)

The Moroccan has been a constant threat for his side this season. Noah Sadaoui has scored five goals and provided four assists in 12 ISL games. While the 31-year-old has lost some form, he will still be the go-to player for the Kerala Blasters in their next game.

Did You Know?

• Punjab FC beat the Kerala Blasters 2-1 in the reverse fixture
• Kerala Blasters beat Punjab FC 1-0 at the JN Stadium in Delhi last year
• Punjab FC have scored in each of their last eight ISL games
• The Blasters have conceded 25 goals in 14 ISL games this season, the second-most in the league so far 

Telecast

The Punjab FC vs Kerala Blasters match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday (5th January 2025). The game will kick off at 7:30 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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