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

Punjab FC vs FC Goa Match Prediction & Analysis

Punjab FC faces FC Goa on matchday 24 of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 PM IST. The match is scheduled to be played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. It is a dead rubber, holding no importance for either team, as FC Goa is nearly through to the playoffs, while Punjab FC is already eliminated. Punjab FC is coming off a 1-3 loss against East Bengal, their third loss in the last four games, while FC Goa is coming off a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters at home, their third consecutive win.

Current Standings - Punjab FC currently stand at 11th place with 7 wins, 3 draws and 11 losses in 21 matches, while FC Goa stand at 2nd place with 12 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses in 21 matches. 

Head to Head Record - FC Goa won two of the three ISL matches played against Punjab FC and the other game ended in a draw. Two of the three games between these teams resulted in a minimum of 3 goals. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Punjab FC Preview

Punjab FC's campaign has gone nowhere, as they have lost three of their last four games and are eliminated from the playoffs. Their recent loss against East Bengal, where they conceded three goals, highlights the defensive lapses that have plagued Punjab FC throughout the season. At home, Punjab has won only one of their last six games and lost four during this run. They are averaging 1.2 goals scored per game and have allowed 2 goals per game in their last six home games.

Norberto Ezequiel Vidal has scored 6 goals and is the top scorer for Punjab FC this season. Asmir Suljic, Luka Majcen, and Ezequiel, with three assists each, are the top goal facilitators for the Shers. So far this season, Punjab FC has scored 29 goals, 17 of which were scored at home and 12 in away games, while they have conceded a total of 17 goals at home.

Punjab FC holds onto ball possession for 46.9%, averages 13.6 shots per game, makes 16 tackles per game, and is ranked number one in interceptions per game with 11.8. They are ranked 8th in shot blocking, averaging 3.2 per game. However, the key metric they lack is saves made per game, in which they are ranked last, averaging only 2 saves per game. 

Punjab FC Starting Lineup  - R Kumar (Gk); K Lhungdim, S. Meitei, I Novoselec, L.A Asokan, Aashish Pradhan, RJ Shabing (Defenders); A Suljic, E. Vidal, Md Suhail (Mid-Fielders); P Giakoumakis (Forward). 

FC Goa Preview

FC Goa has solidified its spot in the top two with their recent three-game winning run. They won their last game against East Bengal FC 2-0. In a game where both teams failed to score goals in the first half, Iker Guarrotxena scored in the 46th minute, and Mohammad Yasir scored in the 73rd minute, assisted by Iker Guarrotxena. While Goa had several chances to make it 4-0, those attempts were saved by East Bengal's goalkeeper. Goa’s defense has been top-notch, with East Bengal's offense having only one clear scoring opportunity, which was also saved.

FC Goa has lost only one of their last nine away games, winning five and drawing three. During this run, FC Goa averaged 2.1 goals scored per game and conceded 1.4 goals per game. Armando Sadiku, with 9 goals and three braces, is the top goal scorer for FC Goa. B. Fernandes, with 7 goals, and Iker Guarrotxena, with 6 goals, have also significantly contributed to Goa’s dominant run this season. Their multiple goal-scoring players and lack of reliance on a single player to score goals make them a major threat, and they should exploit Punjab FC’s defensive weaknesses.

FC Goa scores most of their goals in the 45-60 minute period, having scored a total of 13 goals this season during this time frame. However, they are least effective in the final 15 minutes of the game, scoring only 2 goals, and are also highly vulnerable defensively, conceding 8 goals during the 75-90 minute period. Essentially, Goa struggles to close out games effectively. 

FC Goa Probable Starting Lineup - H Tiwari (Gk); B.S Thangiam, O.O.Zabala, S. Jhingan, A Sangwan, A.D Chhetri, C.McHugh (Defenders); M Yasir, D.Drazic, U.S.Kumam (Mid-fiedlers); I. GUarrotxena (Forward). 

PUNJAB FC vs FC GOA
Winning Prediction

FC Goa enter this contest as favourites having won three games in a row and are undefeated against Punjab FC in ISL. Their offense is well balanced where they score from both the left and right side, while Punjab FC doesn't have a reliable scorer and their defense is bit shaky, which can easily be penetrated through to score goals. We are backing FC Goa to win this game and predict it to be a high goal scoring game where both teams are likely to score and the total goals is expected to be over 2.5. 

FC Goa to Win (1-3)

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