NorthEast United FC vs Punjab FC, Indian Super League 2024-2025, Today Match Prediction

NorthEast United FC vs Punjab FC Match Prediction & Analysis

NorthEast United takes on Shers of Punjab at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in a high-stakes MatchWeek 16 clash. NorthEast will be itching to bounce back after a frustrating 0-0 draw against bottom-ranked Mohammedan and will be determined to secure three crucial points. Meanwhile, Punjab FC, reeling from four straight losses, including a narrow 0-1 defeat to Kerala Blasters, will be desperate to halt their slump— even a single point could be a lifeline for them.

When these two last met, Punjab suffered a 2-1 defeat to NorthEast, despite the latter playing with ten men for the entire second half. Ironically, Punjab's record reveals a struggle to win when their opponents are reduced to ten players—a scenario they will undoubtedly hope to avoid in their upcoming encounter. Regardless, Punjab will need to play exceptionally well to beat NorthEast, considering their poor run of results away from home (four defeats in the last five games).

Current Standings: At present, NorthEast is placed 6th in the points table with 22 points, while Punjab finds themselves at the 8th position with 18 points.

Head-to-head Record: These two have faced each other twice in the ISL, with Punjab FC claiming the bragging rights with one victory while the other ended up as a draw. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

NorthEast United FC Preview

Heading into their clash against Mohammedan SC, NorthEast stood strong in 4th place. But by full-time, the Islanders had slipped to 6th, a costly tumble in an intensely close race. Dropped points against lower-ranked teams could prove a haunting regret as the season unfolds.

So what went wrong vs. Mohammedan? 

NorthEast United FC coach Benali voiced frustration after his team’s performance against Mohammedan SC, lamenting their failure to stick to the game plan despite dominating possession and creating better chances.

“We’re doing well, but then we stop hurting the opposition,” Benali said. “We need to keep going and be relentless. If a team is defending deep, why try to go through a wall? Use your brain—switch play, create openings, and be brave in 1v1 situations.”

The coach urged his players to overcome hesitation, emphasizing the need for composure and creativity to capitalize on opportunities. Furthermore, it marked the third time this season that the Highlanders failed to find the back of the net, interestingly, that three happened in the last five games. 

Northeast United FC are ranked 10th in ball possession with 45.7%. They average 15.6 shots and 5.2 corners per game. A. Ajaray is the top scorer with 14 goals. Guillermo Fernandez and Nester have also scored 4 goals each this season. On the defensive side, the team makes an average of 24 clearances and 3.2 saves per game, the 4th best in the season. They have managed 18 tackles and 8.2 interceptions but conceded 1.42 goals per game.

Stats that matter

1. NorthEast currently tied 1st with Mohun Bagan in terms of the number of goals (29) scored by a team this season.
2. Alaeddine Ajaray is NorthEast's top scorer with 14 goals.
3. On average, NorthEast scores 2.27 goals at home.
4. NorthEast scored 31% of their goals this season during the  0-15 minutes period of the game. 

NorthEast United  Probable XI -  Gurmeet Singh (GK), Buanthanglun Samte,Zabaco, Akhtar,Tlang, Mayakkanan, Nickson, Bemammer, Gogoi, Ajaraie, Guillermo

Punjab FC Preview

The Shers’ playoff hopes are fading fast after a fourth straight defeat in the ISL 2024/25. Adding to the sting, this loss came against a nine-man Kerala Blasters side. Missing key players like Luka Majcen and Ezequiel Vidal, the Shers struggled, suffering a defeat that pushed them down to 8th place with a record of 6 wins and 7 losses. The Shers have a boost ahead of their clash with NorthEast, as Slovenian forward Luka Majcen is set to return to action. However, they'll miss the services of midfielder Filip Mrzljak, who is expected to be sidelined. 

Punjab FC are ranked 11th in ball possession with 45.2%. They average 13.8 shots and 3.5 corners per game. Luka Majcen  is the top scorer with 5 goals. Norberto Ezequiel Vidal and Asmir Suljic have also scored 4 goals each this season. On the defensive side, the team makes an average of 20 clearances and 2.2 saves per game, the 10th best in the season. They have managed 15 tackles and 13.7 interceptions but conceded 1.46 goals per game.

Stats that matter

1. Punjab have lost their last two away games.
2. Punjab FC have lost four out of their six games on the road.
3. The Shers are yet to draw a game this season.
4. Luka Majcen is Punjab's top scorer this season with five goals. 

Punjab FC Probable XI -  Ravi Kumar (GK) ; TA Singh, Meitei, Assisi, Lhungdim, Vidal, Suljic, Nikhil Prabhu, Sudeesh, Shabong, Majcen

NORTHEAST UNITED FC vs PUNJAB FC
Winning Prediction

NorthEast is favored to win by most betting sites qne they are tipped to win with odds of 1.87 against Punjab's 3.67, and a draw at 3.65. Punjab does not typically play for draws; it's either a win or a loss. Therefore, given their current form and recent results, we favor NorthEast to win.

Northeast United to Win (2-1)

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