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CLAIM NOWCan Bengaluru Break the Shers' Den?
We predict a draw (1-1)
Tournament: Indian Super League 2024-2025 | Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
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Saturday sets the stage for a crucial showdown as Punjab FC hosts Bengaluru in a battle of struggling sides desperate to turn their fortunes around. Both teams are in dire need of a win to break free from their slump, making this clash all the more intense. The last time they met, the Blues edged out a narrow 1-0 victory.
Both teams enter this clash in desperate need of a turnaround. Bengaluru FC are winless in their last five outings, their latest setback a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan. Meanwhile, Punjab FC’s struggles run even deeper, going seven games without a victory, most recently falling 2-1 to Jamshedpur.
Current Standings: Currently, Punjab is placed 9th in the points table with 20 points, while Bengaluru finds themselves in 5th with 28 points.
Head-to-head Record: In the Indian Super League (ISL), Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC have faced each other three times, with each securing one win each whilst other ending in a draw.
Punjab FC’s struggles continued as they fell 2-1 to Jamshedpur FC, extending their winless streak to seven games. Despite the narrow scoreline, the defeat felt far heavier, exposing their ongoing woes. The performance was so uninspiring that even the coach didn’t hold back in his criticism, making it clear that something needs to change fast.
In the post-match press conference, Dilmperis pointed to Punjab FC’s lack of energy, passion, and tempo as the key culprits behind their seventh straight game without a win. Dilmperis stressed the need for Punjab FC to play with greater passion, especially given their struggles and the legacy of "The Shers." Frustrated with the team’s lack of intensity, he didn’t hold back: "There’s a huge problem with the passion we should have. If you’re calling this a restart, you step onto the field and play like a lion—not just say you are one. The possibilities are there for all of us.
Team News
Ahead of their clash with Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC faces crucial lineup issues. Defender Ivan Novoselec is still out with a long-term injury, while midfielder Nikhil Prabhu will miss the match due to suspension after picking up four yellow cards. These absences could make the challenge even tougher for The Shers.
Punjab FC Probable XI - Ravi Kumar (GK) ; P Singh, Assisi, Novoselec, Augustine, Vidal, Suljic, Nikhil Prabhu, Lbungdim, Mrzljak, Majcen
Bengaluru FC had a real battle on their hands against Mohun Bagan at Salt Lake, despite a strong performance. The visitors dominated the first half and should've gone into the break ahead, but Sunil Chhetri squandered a golden chance to give them the lead. It was a tense affair, with plenty of what-ifs hanging in the air.
Despite their strong effort, Bengaluru FC suffered their second consecutive defeat and fourth in five games. The slump has hurt their chances of a top-two finish, leaving them fifth in the table—three points behind NorthEast United in fourth and a daunting 12 points adrift of the league leaders.
Team News
After missing a game due to suspension, defender Alexander Jovanovic is set to return for Bengaluru FC’s upcoming clash. His presence will be a boost for the backline, and with no reported injuries in the squad, the Blues will aim to bounce back strong.
Bengaluru FC Probable XI - Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensena, N Singh, S Wangjam, P Capo, Naguera, Ryan Williams, Chhetri, Mendez
Though a short rivalry, this fixture has been an exciting one, with each team having won once. Bengaluru FC edged the last encounter 1-0, but their previous visit to Punjab was a nightmare, as the Shers dominated with a 3-1 victory. In short, all three results are possible, and both teams are under immense pressure. Despite their form, interestingly, Punjab FC are favored to win by most bookmakers. Punjab FC are tipped to win with odds of 2.10 against Bengaluru’s 2.90, with a draw at 3.60.
We predict a draw (1-1)
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