ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United aim to complete league double over struggling Punjab FC
ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United aim to complete league double over struggling Punjab FC
NorthEast United FC will host Punjab FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday, looking to complete the league double over an opponent for the first time since 2020-21.
The Highlanders had clinched a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season. For Punjab FC, this match is an opportunity to avoid a fifth consecutive loss, with its recent form a stark contrast to its early season form.
NorthEast United FC is sixth in the table with 22 points from 14 games, winning and losing twice each in their last five games. Punjab FC is placed eighth, with 18 points from 13 games, winning six games and facing seven defeats.
The Highlanders are the highest-scoring team in the league, netting 29 times with Alaaeddine Ajaraie leading the charge with 14 strikes. Punjab FC is seventh in this regard, finding the back of his net 20 times in 13 encounters, led by Luka Majcen (5) and Ezequiel Vidal (4). Punjab FC will be buoyed by the return of these two stars, who missed its previous game against Kerala Blasters FC due to suspensions.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali has said that his team needs to imbibe a stronger finishing instinct upfront.
“The problem we have is sometimes we forget (to keep going). We are hurting the team, we are doing very well and then we just say, ‘Why are we hurting them? Let’s just stop’. And that’s the problem. We need to learn to keep going and going,” he said.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis admitted that his team needs certain improvements after their recent results.
“When a team is not having the results, it’s because we need to develop parts of our gameplay. There are reasons but I’m not going to stay on the excuses and instead improve ourselves,” he said.
