Kolkata, Feb 4 (PTI) — Punjab FC will look to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare to face the league leaders, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in a highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Salt Lake Stadium this Wednesday.
Currently positioned ninth in the league table with 23 points from 17 matches, Punjab FC will aim to continue their push for a playoff spot by securing a positive result against the top-of-the-table Mohun Bagan, who are comfortably leading the standings with 43 points from 19 games.
A victory in this clash would provide a much-needed boost to Punjab FC’s playoff aspirations, helping them close the gap on the teams ahead of them in the standings.
"Every match is important for us from this point on. We will have to play every match like a final and any point we can take is really important. Tomorrow's match will be crucial like the others. We have to be focused during the entirety of the game and stick to our game plan," said Dilmperis.
Midfielders Filip Mrzljak and Ezequiel Pulga Vidal have also been pivotal, contributing to both creating and converting chances. Mrzljak, who scored in the previous match, has formed a solid partnership with Vidal in the center of the park.
The Shers will also be boosted by the performance of new signing Petros Giakoumakis, who impressed on his first start for the club and will be eager to continue building on that momentum. However, they will miss the services of midfielder Asmir Suljic, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Defensively, Ivan Novoselec, who played a crucial role in the team's win against Bengaluru FC, will lead the backline. He will be supported by Nikhil Prabhu, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, and Suresh Meitei. The trio has been excellent defensively this season, with Prabhu, Singh, and Meitei all ranking in the top five for interceptions in the league.
Under the leadership of head coach José Francisco Molina, Mohun Bagan has been the standout team in the ISL this season, boasting the best home record in the league with eight wins and a draw from nine matches.
Their attacking unit, led by Dimitri Petratos and Jamie Maclaren, has been lethal, scoring 36 goals so far this season. Their defense has been just as impressive, keeping 11 clean sheets, the best in the league.
"When a team scores two goals against you from set-pieces, then it's obvious that you should be aware of their physical strength. We will change some things tomorrow but I think the most important thing is that we should be really careful because Mohun Bagan have the quality to take advantage of any situation and score goals," Dilmperis explained.
To secure a positive result, the Shers will need to be more clinical in front of goal and resolute in defense, taking their chances when they come and staying focused for the full 90 minutes.
This exciting matchup promises to be a crucial battle in the race for the playoffs as Punjab FC takes on Mohun Bagan, the league leaders, with everything to play for.
Currently positioned ninth in the league table with 23 points from 17 matches, Punjab FC will aim to continue their push for a playoff spot by securing a positive result against the top-of-the-table Mohun Bagan, who are comfortably leading the standings with 43 points from 19 games.
A victory in this clash would provide a much-needed boost to Punjab FC’s playoff aspirations, helping them close the gap on the teams ahead of them in the standings.
Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis Urges Focus Ahead of Crucial Encounter
Ahead of the game, Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis stressed the importance of maintaining focus and treating each remaining match as a "final," with every point being crucial for their postseason ambitions."Every match is important for us from this point on. We will have to play every match like a final and any point we can take is really important. Tomorrow's match will be crucial like the others. We have to be focused during the entirety of the game and stick to our game plan," said Dilmperis.
Confidence from Bengaluru FC Win
Punjab FC will enter the match full of confidence after their thrilling 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC in their previous outing, where Slovenian striker Luka Majcen netted a dramatic injury-time winner. Majcen has been a key figure for Punjab this season, having scored seven goals and provided three assists.Midfielders Filip Mrzljak and Ezequiel Pulga Vidal have also been pivotal, contributing to both creating and converting chances. Mrzljak, who scored in the previous match, has formed a solid partnership with Vidal in the center of the park.
The Shers will also be boosted by the performance of new signing Petros Giakoumakis, who impressed on his first start for the club and will be eager to continue building on that momentum. However, they will miss the services of midfielder Asmir Suljic, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Defensively, Ivan Novoselec, who played a crucial role in the team's win against Bengaluru FC, will lead the backline. He will be supported by Nikhil Prabhu, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, and Suresh Meitei. The trio has been excellent defensively this season, with Prabhu, Singh, and Meitei all ranking in the top five for interceptions in the league.
Mohun Bagan's Unbeaten Run and Dominant Form
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan Super Giant come into the match in formidable form, having gone unbeaten in their last five matches, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their most recent outing.Under the leadership of head coach José Francisco Molina, Mohun Bagan has been the standout team in the ISL this season, boasting the best home record in the league with eight wins and a draw from nine matches.
Their attacking unit, led by Dimitri Petratos and Jamie Maclaren, has been lethal, scoring 36 goals so far this season. Their defense has been just as impressive, keeping 11 clean sheets, the best in the league.
Dilmperis Warns Against Mohun Bagan’s Set-Piece Threat
Dilmperis is wary of Mohun Bagan’s set-piece prowess, particularly after Punjab FC conceded two goals from set-pieces in their previous encounter with the Mariners."When a team scores two goals against you from set-pieces, then it's obvious that you should be aware of their physical strength. We will change some things tomorrow but I think the most important thing is that we should be really careful because Mohun Bagan have the quality to take advantage of any situation and score goals," Dilmperis explained.
A Chance for Redemption
Punjab FC will also draw motivation from their previous encounter with Mohun Bagan, where they dominated the first half but ultimately succumbed to a 1-3 defeat due to a series of controversial decisions. Despite a spirited performance, the Shers were left frustrated and will be keen to make amends this time around.To secure a positive result, the Shers will need to be more clinical in front of goal and resolute in defense, taking their chances when they come and staying focused for the full 90 minutes.
This exciting matchup promises to be a crucial battle in the race for the playoffs as Punjab FC takes on Mohun Bagan, the league leaders, with everything to play for.
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