Struggling Chennaiyin FC seek turnaround in ISL 2025-26 against strong Punjab FC

Chennaiyin FC are currently placed 12th in ISL standings.

Punjab FC will play their second game of the match in the Indian Super League week at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi when they host Chennaiyin FC, who are at the bottom end of the table. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 IST on May 6th, 2026.

Punjab FC have been one of the most consistent sides this season and currently sit seventh in the table. Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency and is languishing in 12th place with just nine points from ten games.

A victory would be crucial for Punjab FC as they look to move further up the standings and keep their outside hopes of clinching the title alive. For Clifford Miranda and Chennaiyin FC, however, three points are equally important if they want to move up the table and restore some belief among the fans and players.

The Stakes:

Punjab FC:

After losing their opening game of the season, Punjab FC responded with an impressive unbeaten run, winning three and drawing two of their next five matches. They then suffered a narrow defeat against Mohun Bagan SG in the closing moments of the game. Since that setback, they have again gone unbeaten, registering a comfortable win over Inter Kashi FC before playing out a goalless draw against SC Delhi in their last outing.

The draw against SC Delhi will still feel like two points dropped for Panagiotis Dilmperis despite taking a point from the game. They dominated possession, created more attempts, and got on the end of a couple of clear-cut scoring opportunities, but lacked the clinical finishing touch in the final third, which they had in previous matches.

Had they secured all three points, Punjab FC would have been in a far stronger position in the ISL title race. Even so, mathematically they remain in contention and will be eager to make the most of a Chennaiyin FC side low on confidence, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

Chennaiyin FC:

For Chennaiyin FC, this season has been a hugely disappointing one so far. With six foreigners brought in, several quality Indian players in the squad, and a new head coach in the dugout, there was genuine optimism around the Marina Machans before the campaign began. However, they now find themselves at the wrong end of the table, struggling for consistency and averaging less than a point per game.

Their previous outing ended in a 4-1 defeat to Jamshedpur FC at the Furnace. It was comfortably one of the poorest performances from Clifford Miranda’s side, who were second best to the Red Miners in both attack and defence. The only real positive from the night was Pragadeeswaran’s goal, with nothing else for Chennaiyin FC to take encouragement from.

Clifford Miranda will now demand a much-improved display from his players, especially in getting the basics right, something they failed to do in the last game. Taking all three points will be a difficult task against a quality Punjab FC side, but Chennaiyin FC cannot afford another defeat. If not a win, a draw has to be the minimum target for the Marina Machans.

Team News:

On the team news front for Chennaiyin FC, Elsinho remains sidelined after the Brazilian defender was ruled out for the rest of the season. Klusner Pereira, who missed the last match through injury, is available again, while Farukh Choudhary also returns after missing the previous couple of games.

Punjab FC, meanwhile, continue to be without Nikhil Prabhu. They have also been dealt a fresh injury setback, with Muhammad Suhail ruled out for the remainder of the season. Bijoy Varghese is suspended for the game as the defender has accumulated four yellow cards in ISL 2025/26.

Head-to-Head:

Matches Played – 5

Punjab FC wins – 2

Chennaiyin FC wins – 2

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineups:

Punjab FC (4-3-3) 

Arshdeep Singh (GK); Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Pramveer, Muhammed Uvais; Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez; Bede Osuji, Nsungusi Effiong, Manglenthang Kipgen.

Chennaiyin FC (4-4-2)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Dinliana, Pritam Kotal, Eduardo Kau, Mandar Rao Dessai; Irfan Yadwad, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Ali Bemammer, Farukh Choudhary; Alberto Noguera, Daniel Chima Chukwu.

Players to watch:

Punjab FC – Effiong Nsungusi

Chennaiyin FC’s backline has looked vulnerable against deliveries into the box throughout the season, something that was evident again in the defeat to Jamshedpur FC. That is where Effiong Nsungusi will look to capitalise and possibly close the gap on Youssef Ezzejjari in the golden boot race.

Up against a Pritam Kotal who lacks pace and an Eduardo Kau who has looked vulnerable in aerial situations at times, Nsungusi’s strengths in both those areas could prove decisive. His movement and physicality will be vital in unsettling the opposition defence and converting chances, something Punjab FC notably missed in their last match against SC Delhi.

Chennaiyin FC – Lalrinliana Hnamte

Hnamte could prove to be one of the key players for Chennaiyin FC if they want to take anything positive from this contest. Since returning to the starting 11, the young midfielder has shown his quality with crunching tackles and timely interceptions that have helped disrupt opposition plays.

Against a Punjab FC midfield built around Ricky Shabong, Samir Zeljkovic, and Dani Ramirez, Hnamte’s role becomes even more significant. He will need to take greater responsibility in possession and, more importantly, deny Punjab’s midfielders the time and space on the ball to dictate the tempo of the game.

Telecast details:

The match between Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC will take place on May 06, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.

The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream on Fancode.

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