Punjab FC vs NorthEast United Prediction: Punjab will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat on a trot

Punjab FC will welcome NorthEast United in Gameweek 3 of the Indian Super League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Punjab will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat on a trot. Who will win? 

Under the guidance of their coach, Staikos Vergetis, Punjab FC earned promotion to the ISL after winning the I-League. However, their elation was short-lived as they faced off against the ISL champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in their inaugural match. In a convincing fashion, the Mariners dominated the Punjab FC defense to secure a 3-1 victory.

Punjab FC displayed a much-improved performance in their second match against FC Goa. Nevertheless, it fell short as FC Goa secured a narrow 1-0 win to earn their first points in the ISL. Ahead of the match, Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis expressed, "We worked tirelessly in the I-League for a year to reach this moment. Despite starting with two less-than-ideal results, we aim to capitalize on our home advantage and strive for our first victory."

Kiran Chemjong; Khaimin Lungdim, Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Nikhil Prabhu, Mohammed Salah; Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Ashish Pradhan, Kingslee Fernandes, Madih Talal; Ranjeet Singh Pandre, Luka Majcen.

NorthEast United has shown significant improvement following their loss to Mumbai FC in the initial ISL match. The Highlanders narrowly succumbed to Des Buckingham's team with a score of 2-1. However, their second encounter against Chennaiyin FC provided an opportunity for the Highlanders to redeem themselves, and they seized it wholeheartedly. They delivered a near-flawless performance at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, defeating Chennaiyin FC 3-0.

The composure displayed by the Highlanders in securing a clean sheet will undoubtedly boost the confidence of NEUFC's head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, and assistant coach Naushad Moosa. Assistant coach Naushad Moosa expressed his perspective, stating, "Although we faced a setback in our first match and ended up losing, there were valuable lessons to be learned. We diligently addressed our weaknesses and deficiencies, resulting in a much-improved performance and a positive outcome in our second match."

Mirshad Michu; Gaurav Bora, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh; Mohamed Ali Bamammer, Romain Philippoteaux; Pragyan Gogoi, Phalguni Singh, Parthib Gogoi; Nestor Albiach.

Our prediction favors NorthEast United to emerge victorious in this match. Punjab has suffered defeat in seven out of their last ten games, with only one win during that period, which came in the form of a 1-0 victory against Sreenidi Deccan in Group A of the Indian Super Cup. We anticipate that Punjab will carry this pattern of losses into this fixture, resulting in their third consecutive defeat in the early stages of this season.