Odisha FC take on Punjab FC in Delhi as Juggernauts look for their first win in ISL 2024-25

Punjab FC will play their first home match of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they host Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Both teams will be looking to secure a vital win in this clash on Friday, September 20 at 7:30 pm IST.

Read also: UP and Punjab to compete in final of Hockey India Men’s Junior National Championship

Punjab FC started their campaign with a stoppage-time goal in a 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC while Odisha FC suffered a 3-2 defeat against Chennaiyin FC at home. However, Punjab FC have had a problem with striker Luka Majcen who will be ruled out for the next 6-8 weeks due to injury. Punjab FC are yet to record a win against Odisha FC as they lost both encounters in the 2023-24 season.

“Luka is a great example for young players”

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilperis praised Majcen for his impressive performance after coming on as a substitute in Kochi, in which the striker scored a goal and provided an assist. His adaptation without the Slovenian in the team will play a major role in the start of the season.

“Luka is the captain of this team and a leader. He is a great player, but I have to say more about his personality. He didn’t complain about being on the bench, but he realised that he could start (Mushaga) Bakenga. He is a great example for young players who sometimes keep their heads down and feel angry or disappointed because they are not started or put on the bench,” Dilperis said.

“We need to analyze many things”

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera admitted that the team needs to improve and stick to their style of play to overcome the defeat against Marina Machans. He said that improvement is needed in several aspects for them to be competitive in the ISL this season.

“We have to learn and improve, starting with me as a coach. We have to analyse many things, but the players have to focus on the next match. We have to improve many things if we want to be competitive and secure the top spots in the ISL,” Lobera said.

Key players to watch

Punjab FC’s Filip Mrzljak is one of only three players to have scored a goal in stoppage time on their ISL debut, along with Simao (2015) and Alaeddine Ajaraie (2024). He can become the ninth player to score in each of his first two ISL matches, if he ends up scoring against Odisha FC.

Odisha FC will be counting on Diego Mauricio in attack. He is particularly lethal from the penalty spot, having converted 10 penalties in the ISL, the second highest tally after teammate Roy Krishna (17). Incidentally, both had scored in the defeat against the Marina Machans last week.



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