Mumbai City FC eye third straight win against Punjab FC to leapfrog them in points table

by Sakshi Bhosale November 25, 2024

Mumbai City FC will face Punjab FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on November 26, Tuesday, at 7:30 pm IST as the Islanders aim to go above the visitors in this crucial fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25.

Punjab FC have cruised to four victories from seven games to accumulate 12 points and be at the fifth spot in the standings, whereas Mumbai City FC are ninth in the table with 10 points to their name.

The gap amongst teams is so narrow at this point that a victory here can propel the Petr Kratky-coached team above Punjab FC and bring them straight back into the reckoning for the top-six.

Whilst it’s also too early into the campaign to discuss point table scenarios, it also serves as a reminder to put the focus on the process. At this moment, both Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC have taken ample learning from their outings thus far and would want to fix that to get their units functioning both cohesively and consistently moving forward.

Mumbai City FC’s passing streak and home record

· Prolific Passers: The overall playing strategy of Mumbai City FC has been arguably consistent off late and that involves building pressure onto the opponents through their passing sequences. They average 329.9 successful passes this season, which is the highest amongst all teams, and their completion rate of 81.2% is also the highest in the league.

· Three in a Row? The Islanders won both their matches against Punjab FC last season, which was also the first campaign in the competition for the latter. Can they get the victory tomorrow and make it three consecutive triumphs in a row? If they do so, it will make Punjab FC only the second side against whom Mumbai City FC have won all of their first three encounters, after Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Punjab FC’s defensive strength and away run

· Diligent Defence: Amongst all teams, Punjab FC have allowed the fewest touches (102) inside their box. They have also permitted only 36 shot attempts from within their 18-yard area. Does that mean that Mumbai City FC will end up trying their luck from outside the box far more than usual? It could be a plan but whether it turns out properly, only time will tell.

· Concerning Away Losses: Punjab FC have been at the receiving end of defeats in each of their last two matches in the ISL. If they fail to take any point from this game, it will mark their outright longest losing streak in the competition, something they will want to snap in this coming clash.

Coach’s Corner

“We need to stick to our plans”

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky appreciated Punjab FC and their performances so far, but assured that the home team will be playing as per their plan.

“Punjab FC have a really good coach and they have done very well so far. We need to stick to our plans. We need to put up a collective front tomorrow and then the best team will win,” Kratky said.

“It was a general problem for the whole team”

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said that his team needs to stop losing possession in key areas, something that they are working towards fixing collectively.

“In possession, sometimes we made easy mistakes; we misplaced easy passes to free players. We are working a lot on that. It was also a general problem for the whole team,” Dilmperis said.

Head-to-Head

As aforementioned, Mumbai City FC have won both their matches against Punjab FC in the ISL so far. The Islanders have scored five goals and Punjab FC have netted thrice in these encounters.

Key Players & Milestones

· Lallianzuala Chhangte stands at the brink of history as with 21 goals and 14 assists, he is one away from overcoming Bipin Singh (24 goals and 11 assists) as the player with the most goal contributions in the ISL. Chhangte played a direct part in a goal in both of Mumbai City FC’s matches against Punjab FC last season, and he will be raring to repeat those heroics.

· Punjab FC will bank on Luka Majcen to deliver goals upfront since his shot conversion rate of 30% is only bettered by Nestor Albiach (44.4%) and Jesus Jimenez (31.6%) amongst players who have taken more than six shots in ISL 2024-25. Mumbai City FC’s defence will have to be cautious of Majcen’s lethal eye for a strike.

· Similarly, Mumbai City FC have Nikolaos Karelis in their arsenal, someone who has recorded the second-most touches inside the opposition’s box (5.9) behind only Alaaeddine Ajaraie (6) in this edition of the ISL. Karelis has made 41 such touches in the competition this year.

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