Punjab FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan, Indian Super League 2024-2025, Today Match Prediction

Punjab FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan Match Prediction & Analysis

The stage is set for an electrifying Boxing Day showdown as Punjab FC faces off against Mohun Bagan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. With kickoff at 7:30 PM IST, this first encounter of the season between the two sides promises high-octane action. 

Punjab FC, coming off back-to-back defeats against Jamshedpur (2-1) and a startling 4-2 loss to East Bengal, would be eager to re-establish their campaign. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Goa recently, will be equally determined to regroup and recover. Both clubs have much to prove, paving the way for a dramatic Boxing Day fight.

Current Standings: At present, Punjab is placed 7th in the points table with 18 points, while Mohun Bagan continues to occupy the top spot with 26 points. 

Head-to-head Record: Mohun Bagan leads 2-0 in the two matches that have been played between the teams. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Punjab FC Preview

The Shers' "win or nothing" mentality has brought mixed results in ISL 2024/25, with six wins and five losses so far. However, their recent form has been troubling, particularly their last match against East Bengal. Despite a dominant first half, where they led 2-0 thanks to  Ezequiel Vidal's brilliant show, they faltered in the second half, letting the game slip away. This collapse will likely haunt them as they aim to regain momentum at their home ground. 

The Shers' struggles on the road are evident, with five of their six losses coming away from home. At their fortress, however, they boast a strong 4-1 record, their only blemish a defeat to NorthEast United. A win on Boxing day will help them leapfrog a couple of teams in the top 6.

Defensive woes have plagued Punjab FC in the game against East Bengal,  largely due to the absence of Croatian stalwart Ivan Novoselec who left the field due to injury. A model of consistency and composure, Novoselec's standout performances this season were key to the team's success, including their Durand Cup quarter-final run. His leadership, discipline—evident in just one yellow card all season—and 90-minute reliability are sorely missed. The Shers’ Coach summed it up: "We lost the leader in defense and a lot of aggressiveness in the centre.”

Stats That Matter

Punjab FC are ranked 11th in ball possession with 45%. They average 14 shots and 3.5 corners per game. Luka Majcen is the top scorer with 5 goals. Norberto Ezequiel Vidal has also scored 4 goals this season. On the defensive side, the team makes an average of 19.9 clearances and 2.0 saves per game, the 11th best in the season. They have managed 15 tackles and 13.9 interceptions but conceded 1.36 goals per game.

Team News - Ivan Novoselec and right-back Lhungdim, who was sent off in the last match, will both be unavailable for the Boxing Day game.

Punjab  Probable XI - Ravi Kumar (GK) ; Rakesh Singh, Meitei, Vinit Rai, Abhishek Singh, Vidal, Suljic, Nikhil Prabhu, Sudeesh, Shabong,Majcen

ATK Mohun Bagan Preview

Like Punjab, Bagan are aiming to recover from a defeat on the road. The Mariners had been on an impressive eight-match unbeaten run until Brison Fernandes’ 68th-minute strike ended their streak. Now, with just two points separating them from second-placed Bengaluru, a Boxing Day loss could see Bagan surrender their top spot. The Mariners' defense has faltered recently, conceding four goals in their last two games—a stark contrast to their solid record of just eight goals allowed in the previous ten matches. 

Stats That Matter

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are ranked 1st in ball possession with 56.1%. They average 15.5 shots and 6.9 corners per game. Jamie MacLaren is the top scorer with 4 goals this season. Manvir Singh and Subashish Bose have also scored 3 goals each this season. On the defensive side, the team makes an average of 16.6 clearances and 3.5 saves per game, the 3rd best in the season. They have managed 16 tackles and 10.6 interceptions but conceded 1 goal per game.

Mohun Bagan's two defeats this season have occurred away from home. Their overall away record stands at 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Notably, they boast the league's best defensive record, having conceded only 12 goals. Jamie MacLaren has contributed significantly to their success, scoring 4 goals for the team this season.

Mohun Bagan  Probable XI - V. kaith(GK) , Rai, Rodriguez, Aldred, Bose, Ralte, Tangri, M. Singh, Petratos, Colaco, Maclaren

PUNJAB FC vs ATK MOHUN BAGAN
Winning Prediction

Despite their recent loss, Mohun Bagan remains the favorite, drawing confidence from their double win over Punjab last season. However, the Shers can take heart from their thrilling 3-3 draw in the recent Durand Cup encounter, demonstrating their ability to compete fiercely.

Punjab's unpredictable form this season makes a draw an unlikely outcome, setting the stage for a high-scoring thriller with a clear winner. Betting odds favor Mohun Bagan with a solid 3.70, while ATK Mohun Bagan sits at 1.83, and a draw also stands at 3.70. With an xG of 2.5/3, the match promises plenty of action and goals.

ATK Mohun Bagan to Win (1-2)

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