New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) Punjab FC is set to pursue a league double against Kerala Blasters FC, as the Shers prepare to host the Tuskers in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match scheduled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this Sunday. Punjab FC kicked off the season with a convincing 2-1 win away in Kochi and aims to replicate that performance to climb up the playoff rankings. Currently, Punjab is in eighth place with 18 points, while the Blasters are positioned two spots lower with 14 points.
In a pre-match statement, PFC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis reflected on the team’s recent performances, stating, “We did not play poorly in these games, but the outcomes were not what we hoped for. Tomorrow’s match presents a new opportunity, and we will approach it with renewed energy. My players are eager and confident, and I trust they will give their best.”
Both teams are entering this match with unfavorable results. Punjab has faced defeat in their last three matches, including a disappointing 1-3 loss to league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters have lost four out of their last five games, with their most recent setback being a 0-1 defeat against Jamshedpur FC.
Punjab FC will be without four foreign players; Luka Majcen and Ezequiel Vidal due to suspensions, and Filip Mrzljak and Ivan Novoselec because of injuries. Dilmperis will have the opportunity to rely on his pool of young Indian talents, who have shown promise this season. Asmir Suljic will be the sole foreign player available for selection in this matchup.
“We have a very capable squad of Indian players who can secure a positive result for the team. We’ve already seen how youngsters like Pramveer performed in the last match, and I am confident the others will rise to the occasion,” the coach commented regarding the limited foreign presence in the lineup for Sunday.
Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters have met five times previously, including two encounters in the ISL last season, with both teams boasting a similar record of two wins each, and their 2024 Durand Cup group stage match ending in a 1-1 draw. Last season, the Blasters narrowly won 1-0, while the Shers delivered a stunning 3-1 victory in Kochi.
Punjab FC aims to put their recent struggles behind them and kick off the New Year positively with an all-Indian lineup brimming with youth and energy against a fluctuating Kerala Blasters side.
