ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Eyes Record Ninth Straight Home Victory Against Punjab FC
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 4, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take on Punjab FC in the ISL 2024-25 at VYBK. The Mariners are aiming for their ninth consecutive home win, a record in ISL history, after already achieving eight straight victories.
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant aims for a record ninth home win.
- Punjab FC has scored in their last five away matches.
- A victory secures MBSG a playoff spot.
- Punjab FC needs to improve their recent performance.
- Jose Molina highlights the team's set-piece strength.
Kolkata, Feb 4 (NationPress) Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set to clash with Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Wednesday.
Following a flawless performance last season, the Mariners aim to secure their second league double over Punjab FC, having defeated them 3-1 in the previous encounter on December 26, 2024. Notably, Punjab FC is one of the few teams, alongside East Bengal FC, that Mohun Bagan Super Giant remains unbeaten against in the ISL after multiple meetings.
At the moment, the Mariners are enjoying an impressive eight-match home winning streak. During this stretch, they have achieved six clean sheets, and a victory in the upcoming game would tie them with FC Goa for the longest home winning run in ISL history, matching FC Goa's record of nine consecutive wins from December 2019 to November 2022.
Punjab FC has demonstrated consistent offensive performance away, scoring in each of their last five road matches. A goal in this match would establish their longest scoring streak in the league.
Currently, Mohun Bagan Super Giant leads the standings with 43 points from 19 matches, boasting 13 wins and four draws. They have secured three victories and two draws in their last five outings.
If MBSG either draws or wins against PFC, they will be the first team to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, Punjab FC sits ninth with seven wins and two draws, totaling 23 points. With a single victory, accompanied by two draws and two losses in their last five games, they are keen to regain momentum in their final seven league matches. Presently, they trail sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (28 points) by five points, having played one extra game (18).
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has scored 10 headed goals this season, including two in their last match against Mohammedan SC. Only Hyderabad FC (14 in 2021-22), Chennaiyin FC (13 in 2017-18), and Mumbai City FC (13 in 2020-21) have achieved more in a single ISL season. Punjab FC's defense must be vigilant against any lateral crosses from the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina emphasized his team’s strength in set pieces. "Naturally, we concentrate on set plays, but we equally prioritize both attack and defense. I have consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining balance within the team," he stated.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis urged his squad to remain cautious of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's goal-scoring capabilities.
"Undoubtedly, we will adjust certain strategies. One aspect we must be wary of is that Mohun Bagan often scores not directly, but they excel in capitalizing on second balls and rebounds, which we need to be mindful of," he remarked.
