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

Punjab FC vs NorthEast United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The International break finally ends and it’s time to get back into club football action. As for the Indian National team, they’re still looking for their first victory under new coach Manolo Marquez. Bheke’s first half strike gave the Blue Tigers much needed confidence, after conceding first. All eyes will be on Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. 

Punjab will be restless to get the game on and underway with, after suffering a 2-1 loss to Fc Goa at Fatorda before the International break. That was Punjab FC’s second defeat in 6 matches. Despite scoring first in that game, they conceded twice with no chance of coming back into the game, courtesy to Goa’s persistence defence. Iker Guarrotxena of Fc Goa was a difficult player to pin down as he scored first and then assisted the second for Armando Sadiku. 

Despite taking the lead twice against Bengaluru Fc, NorthEast United couldn’t hold onto it. Two beautiful goals from Alaaeddine Ajaraie gave the visitors breathing room in what was a tightly held contest. Juan Pedro Benali has sent out a clear intent that his side from the NorthEast are here to compete for major honours. 

Head-to-Head Record : Both teams have so far played 2 matches in last season’s Indian Super League. Punjab won 1 with the other game ending in a draw. 

Current Standings : Punjab FC currently sit in 6th position on 12 points from 6 games. NorthEast meanwhile are in 3rd having played 8 games, with only goal difference separating both sides. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Punjab FC Preview

Punjab are doing well this season because of their dynamic front line and well coordinated performances on the road. The players have worked as a unit to create goal-scoring opportunities. They have created three big chances per game - the highest by any team in the league. Ezequiel Vidal has created the most chances in the ISL this season without recording an assist. 60% of Punjab’s home games see both teams find the net. They usually score their first goal in the first 25 minutes on average at home, which suggests a rapid offensive approach.

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was in awe of his player Luka Majcen. The Slovenian forward underwent a jaw injury but came straight back into the game with a goal. He has been vital to the team’s performances. It’s not easy going through surgery and then quickly having an effect on the pitch. Players require grit, determination and drive to overcome these obstacles off the pitch and then translate that to on the pitch. 

Punjab FC Probable Starting Lineup -  Kumar (GK) Augustine, Meitei, Novoselec, Singh (DEF) Vidal, Rai, Prabhu, Sudeesh (MID) Suljic, Majcen (FWD).

NorthEast United FC Preview

Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the Moroccan sensation, has already now scored 11 goals this season. He is the fastest player to score 10+ goals in a season. It took him only 8 games to achieve this feat. He is the first ever player to score in his first 8 matches. Ajaraie is on the joint-longest scoring streak and is also the first player to score 3 consecutive braces. NorthEast also tend to score most of their goals in the first 25 minutes. On average they score at 23.7 minutes away from home. They will look to go toe to toe with Punjab on the attacking front. During NorthEast’s away fixtures, both teams tend to score in 80% of matches. 

Parthib Gogoi has had to come off the bench and have an impact on games. The 21 year old has been a bright spark for the highlanders. He adds copious amounts of flair, energy and attacking intent to the NorthEast front line. The former U-23 India International will be looking at proving himself and getting in on the starting 11. 

Injury list - Federico Gallego and Gaurav Bora are ruled out. 

NorthEast United Probable Starting Lineup -  G.Singh (GK) S.D. Singh, Akhtar, Zabaco, Samte (DEF) Mayakannan, Bemammer, Nickson, Jitin M.S, Ajaraie (MID) Guillermo (FWD)

PUNJAB FC vs NORTHEAST UNITED FC
Winning Prediction

Both NorthEast United and Punjab FC will be looking to shake off the rust after the International break. While Punjab will have the advantage of home support, NorthEast United's Moroccan forward has been in exceptional form, scoring consistently. Given his current form and the team's overall performance, we back NorthEast United to edge out a victory in this closely contested match.

North East United FC to Win (1-2)

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