Chennai, February 14, 2025: Punjab FC will aim to secure a crucial away victory and keep their playoff hopes alive as they take on Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League fixture, here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium tomorrow. The Shers, currently ninth in the table with 24 points from 19 matches, will face the Chennaiyin side placed tenth with 21 points from 20 matches. A win in this fixture would propel Punjab FC to seventh place, just one shy of the playoff positions. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM.
Speaking ahead of the match, Punjab FC Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis emphasized the significance of this game, stating, “The first priority for us is tomorrow’s game against Chennaiyin because from now on every game is going to be crucial. The game in hand and the other factors are difficulties that you have to address because of the opponents or maybe your own issues. So we have to go step by step, game by game. Chennaiyin is a very good side with great players and a coach who is very passionate, who I think are unlucky to be where they are in the table because they are a better side. We don’t have any pressure, pressure is for the people but we are just football players and I hope we will give our best out on the pitch.”
Punjab FC come into this fixture following a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC on February 10, where Petros Giakoumakis found the net just before halftime, only for Odisha to level the score in the second half. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC come into the match on a high, having registered an emphatic 3-0 victory over East Bengal FC on February 8, ending their seven-match winless streak.
Sharing his thoughts during the pre-match press conference, Asmir Suljic said, “We know this is an important game, and we are prepared to give everything on the pitch. Our focus is to stay compact, take our chances, and fight for the three points. Chennaiyin are very good side and we are expecting a tough match.”
The Shers secured a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Luka Majcen scoring a brace and Asmir Suljic adding another. Majcen has led Punjab FC’s attack with seven goals, followed closely by Ezequiel Pulga Vidal with five. January signing Petros Giakoumakis has shown promise in his five appearances and will be eager to make an impact tomorrow.
Defensively, Punjab FC will have to reshuffle their backline in the absence of Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei, who are suspended for this match. Despite these absences, the team can rely on Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Pramveer, and Khaiminhang Lhungdim to maintain their defensive solidity. Punjab FC has been one of the league’s most efficient defensive units, leading in interceptions per match and displaying resilience throughout the season. However, their away form remains a concern, with just two wins in nine matches, making defensive stability crucial in this fixture.
For Chennaiyin FC, this match presents a chance to build on their recent victory and stay in contention for a playoff spot. Their attacking unit will rely heavily on the Scottish forward Connor Shields and former Punjab FC striker Wilmar Jordan, who have been instrumental in 18 of Chennaiyin’s 27 goals this season. Jordan has netted nine times, while Shields has contributed eight assists and one goal, making them a formidable duo.
With the playoff race heating up, a win for Punjab FC would be a massive boost, lifting them above Odisha FC into seventh place. Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, will be desperate to keep their own playoff hopes alive, making this a crucial clash for both sides.
