Punjab FC Aims to Complete League Double Against Mumbai City FC in ISL 2024-25
New Delhi, January 16 : Punjab FC will host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday evening in a critical clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. Punjab FC seeks to avoid a third consecutive home defeat and aims to achieve its first-ever league double over the Islanders. Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC looks to extend its unbeaten streak in away matches.
Team Form and Standings
Punjab FC, currently struggling with form, has lost its last two home games and risks going goalless in consecutive home matches for the first time. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC remains unbeaten in its previous five away games (3 wins, 2 draws).
- Punjab FC Position: 9th (6 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses; 19 points from 14 matches).
- Mumbai City FC Position: 6th (6 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses; 23 points from 15 matches).
Key Player Absences
Both teams will be missing crucial players due to suspensions:
- Mumbai City FC: Lallianzuala Chhangte.
- Punjab FC: Nikhil Prabhu and Khaiminthang Lhungdim.
Player Highlights and Tactical Insights
Punjab FCโs Suresh Meetei has emerged as a defensive stalwart, winning 73.1% of aerial duels and excelling in tackles and interceptions. Against NorthEast United, he won all five aerial challenges and maintained a 71% passing accuracy with an average of 34 passes per match.
For Mumbai City FC, 22% of their goals have come from corners, the third-highest in the league, emphasizing Punjabโs need for defensive vigilance during set pieces.
Past Meetings and Performance Trends
The Islanders lost 3-0 to Punjab FC in their previous encounter in November. However, Mumbai has conceded 2+ goals in each of its last three matches, while Punjab FC has scored only twice in their last three outings.
Mumbaiโs expected goals (xG) metric for the season stands at 21.6, but the team has scored only 18 goals, reflecting a shortfall of -3.64, the second-lowest in the league.
Coachesโ Comments
Punjab FCโs assistant coach, Shankarlal Chakraborty, acknowledged defensive lapses as a key area of concern.
โWe struggled during certain phases against NorthEast United and conceded goals. However, we started the second half well and will analyze our performance to improve,โ he said.
Mumbai City FCโs head coach, Petr Krejci, emphasized caution against Punjabโs counterattacks.
โPunjab FC creates good opportunities and will be eager to bounce back. They executed excellent counterattacks in the reverse fixture against us,โ he stated.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have faced off three times in the ISL:
- Punjab FC: 1 win.
- Mumbai City FC: 2 wins.
Whatโs at Stake
With both teams eyeing critical points to bolster their standings, the match promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Punjab FC will look to exploit Mumbai City FCโs defensive vulnerabilities, while the Islanders aim to reclaim their form and remain unbeaten on the road.
