Odisha FC vs Punjab FC preview, team news, lineup & prediction | Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Juggernauts will have home advantage when they welcome the Shers.

Indian Super League club Odisha FC, the runners-up of the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup, will start their campaign in 2025 Kalinga Super Cup in the Round of 16 match against the Punjab FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Monday.  

Both the teams had a dull season in the recently concluded ISL campaign. While Odisha remained seventh in the points table, Punjab FC ended their campaign in tenth position. As the tournament has been changed to a knockout format, it will be interesting to watch how both clubs put their best foot forward to move into the next stage. 

ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପାଇଁ, ଗର୍ବ ପାଇଁ 💜🏟Meet the #KalingaWarriors who will wear the #OdishaFC colors in the #KalingaSuperCup 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ 🏆Read More ➡ https://t.co/dnVG3MGIW6 pic.twitter.com/nbY55Z81nu

— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) April 20, 2025

The Stakes 

Odisha FC 

Odisha FC will definitely have an advantage while they take the field in their next match against Punjab FC. They are well-versed with the conditions as Kalinga Stadium is their home ground. Even there will be fan support at the stadium for the Juggernauts. 

Unfortunately, even after some thrilling performances in the last season, Sergio Lobera’s team ended the ISL 2024-25 season in seventh position. Just a few more wins could have helped them to enter the next round of the league. 

Interestingly, in the last 12 matches at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC have lost only two matches, which states their form at the venue and how lethal they will be when they face their opponent in their first game of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. 

Punjab FC 

Although Punjab FC improved their game compared to their performance in the previous season of ISL, they still couldn’t make a mark in the ISL 2024-25. They managed to win just eight games and lost 12 which helped them to accumulate 28 points from 24 matches. 

They will be eager to leave an unforgettable impact at the Kalinga Super Cup with their skills and performances. Luckily, Odisha FC are yet to register a win against Punjab FC in this season, which will definitely boost the confidence of their side. 

Punjab have played two matches against Odisha FC in ISL 2024-25, which includes one win and one draw. Their last outing at Kalinga Stadium ended in 1-1 draw with Petros Giakoumakis being the lone scorer for his side. 

Team and Injury News

Punjab FC will take the field with their full squad while Odisha FC will still miss the service of Roy Krishna, who was injured during the ISL 2024-25. 

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 4

Odisha FC Won – 2 

Punjab FC Won – 1 

Draws – 1

Predicted Line-ups

Odisha FC 

Amrinder Singh (GK), Rahim Ali, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Dorielton

Punjab FC 

Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzljak, Muhammad Suhail, Ezequiel Vidal, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen

ALSO READ: Who will qualify from I-League 2 to I-League 2025-26?

Players to Watch 

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio is going to be the most vital player for Odisha FC in their match against Punjab FC. With his recent performances, he has again proved why he is considered as a reliable asset for his side. 

The forward has scored nine goals and provided six assists for his side in ISL 2024-25. With 195 successful passes, he had also created 19 chances for his side. He has also made 19 key passes and has won 47 duels during his stay on the pitch. 

Coach Sergio Lobera will definitely look to substitute him at the right stage of the match to gain the much needed momentum to win the encounter. 

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

Punjab FC will rely on the form of Luka Majcen in the match to move ahead in the tournament. The 35-years old veteran has been one of their key performers in the last couple of seasons.

He has scored 10 goals for his side in ISL 2024-25 and has also provided three assists. His stats also include 216 successful passes. He has also created 14 chances for his side and has made 11 key passes. 

The forward will definitely look to take their team ahead in the tournament and even aim to reach either the final or the semi-final stage, which will be a huge achievement for the team from Punjab. 

Did You Know?

• Punjab FC hasn’t won a single match at Kalinga Stadium. 
• A total of 10 goals have been in their four meetings, with Odisha FC leading the chart with 6 goals. 
• Odisha FC are yet to beat Punjab FC in this season. They have lost one match and managed to draw the other. 

Telecast Details

The match between Odisha FC and Punjab FC will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Monday, April 21, 2025. It will kick off at 8 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Star Sports 3 and be available to livestream on JioHotstar.

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