Eleventh-placed Punjab FC welcomes ninth-ranked Bengaluru FC in Delhi for their first ISL game of 2024.
PUN vs BEN Match Details
Date: Saturday, 3 February 2024
Time: 17:00 (IST)
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
PUN vs BEN Match Preview
Punjab FC had a decent Kalinga Super Cup campaign in Bhubaneshwar last month even though they failed to make it out of their group. The Shers finished third by collecting two points from draws against Chennaiyin FC and Gokulam Kerala but lost narrowly to eventual semi-finalists Mumbai City FC. Staikos Vergetis’ side still has not won more than one game this season which will be a major concern for them before resuming action in the ISL. The team has been guilty of failing to hold onto their lead multiple times this season, also playing out a 3-3 draw with their Saturday’s opponent Bengaluru FC in the reverse fixture having scored a 19th-minute opener in that game. However, the I-League winners have strengthened their squad in the winter transfer window and will hope the new signings make a notable impact in the second half of the ISL to move up the table.
Bengaluru FC had an unimpressive Super campaign, taking just a point from three group games, carrying forward their disappointing form in the first period of the ISL. However, the Blues have called the shots in the winter window to revamp their squad and have ignited hopes of making the playoffs. Securing Indian pair Chinglensana Singh and Nikhil Poojary from Hyderabad FC will solidify the defence while the hope is that the Danish striker Oliver Drost will succeed where Curtis Main failed in producing goals. Bengaluru FC finished the first part of the ISL season in ninth just two points away from the playoff spot although managed just two wins. Head coach Simon Grayson wishes the new arrival will give motivation to the group to shake off their failures and wish for a fresh start. No better way to return to ISL than with a first-away victory of the season against Punjab FC even though the home’s side sole victory came in Delhi itself.
PUN vs BEN Recent Form (all competitions)
PUN: DLDLW
BEN: DLLDW
PUN vs BEN Recent Form (ISL)
PUN: LWLDD
BEN: DWLLD
PUN vs BEN Team News
Punjab FC will give club debuts to midfield duo Issac Vanmalsawma and Sahil Tavora from the start while the incoming from Kerala Blasters, Vidyasagar Singh and Bryce Miranda on loan begin from the bench.
Visitors Bengaluru FC will name their three arrivals in the starting lineup including the five-year record contract signing Chinglensana Singh. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh and skipper Sunil Chhetri will also return following their Asina Cup duties with the national team.
PUN vs BEN Predicted Lineups
Punjab FC
Ravi Kumar; Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Dimitrios Chatzaiisaias, Nitesh Darjee; Juan Mera, Issac Vanmalsawma, Sahil Tavora, Krishnananda Singh; Madih Talal, Luka Majcen
Bengaluru FC
Gurpreet Singh; Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Roshan Singh; Javi Hernandez, Suresh Wangjam, Harsh Patre, Halicharan Narzary; Oliver Drost, Sunil Chhetri
PUN vs BEN Head-to-Head (all competitions)
Played - 4
PUN won - 0
Drawn - 2
BEN won - 2
PUN vs BEN Dream11 Match Prediction
Bengaluru FC looks to be the favorites to secure three points against Punjab FC for their first win in 2024.
PUN vs BEN Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Javi Hernandez
Vice-captain Picks: Sunil Chhetri, Luka Majcen
Others: Madih Talal
Our top picks for the PUN vs BEN Dream11 team are Javi Hernandez, Sunil Chhetri and Luka Majcen.
PUN vs BEN Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Gurpreet (Cr - 8, Pts - 314)
DEF: Lhungdim (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 301), Prabhu (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 315), Roshan (Cr - 8.5, Pts - 219)
MID: Javi (Cr - 9, Pts - 376), Suresh (Cr - 8, Pts - 202), Talal (Cr - 7.5, Pts - 329), K Singh (Cr - 8, Pts - 213)
FW: Mera (Cr - 9, Pts - 273), Majcen (Cr - 9, Pts - 267), Chhetri (Cr - 9, Pts - 344),
Captain: Javi Hernandez
Vice-captain: Sunil Chhetri
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
