New Delhi, March 8 Punjab FC will aim to secure back-to-back victories as they face NorthEast United FC, who are still winless, in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital on Monday.
In their last match, Punjab FC secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Bengaluru FC, while NorthEast United drew 1-1 with Mumbai City FC in their last match in Mumbai.
Speaking about the preparations for the match, Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said, “We haven’t made any changes. We believe in a comprehensive training method that helps players develop their physical, technical, tactical, and mental abilities. At the same time, we focus on certain aspects related to the opponents, which helps us prepare the players and the team for real game conditions. This improves decision-making and also strengthens their mental and emotional preparation.”
Currently, Punjab FC is ninth in the table with three points from two matches, while NorthEast United is one place below their opponents with two points from three matches.
NorthEast is playing their fourth consecutive away game. “It has been a challenging start for us with so much travel. It reduces recovery and training time, but we cannot complain. We have to focus on achieving the best possible result,” said head coach Juan Pedro Benali.
“The players are ready to give everything for the club. Everyone, including the staff and management, is working hard to make the fans proud of the club,” he said.
Both teams have played each other four times in the ISL, with each winning one game, while the other two ended in draws. In the latest encounter in January 2025, the match ended in a 1-1 draw with Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Khaimingthang Lhungdim scoring the goals.
Both head coaches had mutual respect for each other before the crucial match.
"Punjab is one of the most intense teams in the league right now. They are disciplined, tactically strong, and full of fighting spirit, so it will not be an easy game for either side,” said Pedro Benali.
Speaking about the opposition, Dilmperis said, “The first thing we must address is their passion and intensity. They have many attacking patterns, especially with a hardworking midfield. They are a very active and aggressive team with young players who are eager to prove themselves in Indian football.”
Speaking ahead of their first home game of the season, Punjab FC defender Khaimingthang Lhungdim said, “I’m excited to be back at our home ground, and I think all the players feel the same way. It’s very important for us to start well in our first home match, and we’ll try our best to get the three points.”
NorthEast United midfielder Danny Laishram, who made his first start for the club in the last game, said, “When the coach told me I would start, it was a very proud moment for my family and me. I was nervous, but my teammates gave me confidence and told me to just play my game. The coach and the senior players have given me a lot of confidence, and I just want to keep improving and give my best for the team.”
As Punjab FC prepares to play their first home game of the season, the Shers will be eager to carry forward their confidence from the last win, while NorthEast United FC will hope to break their winless run despite a demanding run of away fixtures.
