East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC Prediction: Punjab are winless in the league

East Bengal FC will welcome Mumbai City FC in Gameweek 9 of the Indian Super League at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kiriranga. Punjab are winless in the league so far. Who will win? 

East Bengal has experienced three losses this season, each by a narrow one-goal margin, leaving them on the losing side thrice. However, their spirits will be lifted by their recent impressive 5-0 victory over NorthEast United, with Cleiton Silva and Nandhakumar Sekar each contributing a brace, and Borja Herrera adding another goal.

In their preceding match, they secured a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin, benefiting from an own goal. Despite Cleiton Silva's late penalty, it proved insufficient as Kerala Blasters secured a 2-1 victory.

insufficient as Kerala Blasters secured a 2-1 victory.

East Bengal has encountered challenges in holding on to leads, losing eight points from winning positions, including defeats against Bengaluru and Goa. As they set their sights on the upcoming match against Punjab, their objective is to secure all three points.

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill; Mohammad Rakip, Lalchungnunga, Hijazi Maher, Mandar Rao Dessai; Mahesh Naorem Singh, Souvik Chakraborty, Saul Crespo, Borja Herrera, Vishnu Puthiya Valappill, Cleiton Silva

Punjab has faced defeats against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha, Chennaiyin, and Mumbai City, along with draws against NorthEast United, Jamshedpur, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

In a match where they initially led 3-1 against Bengaluru, Punjab eventually settled for a 3-3 draw, dropping two valuable points. Despite quickfire goals from Nikhil Prabhu, Dimitris Chatziisaias, and Luka Majcen, their defense faltered, leading to the equalizer.

In a preceding match, Juan Mera gave Punjab the lead, but a late goal from Hyderabad resulted in a 1-1 draw, denying Punjab a victory. Additionally, despite holding the lead against Mumbai City until the 80th minute, Punjab conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes, resulting in a turnaround by the opposition.

Ravi Kumar; Nitesh Darjee, Dimitris Chatziisaias, Suresh Meitei, Khaiminthang Lhungdim; Nikhil Prabhu, Ashish Pradhan; Juan Mera, Madih Talal, Krishnananda Singh; Luka Majcen 

East Bengal stands as the evident home favorite, exuding confidence following their triumph over NorthEast United. While the prospect of Punjab securing a win amid the spirited Kolkata crowd seems slim, the Northern team has showcased some enticing performances in the league.

However, they are still seeking their first win, grappling with an inexperienced defensive setup. Players like Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, and Cleiton Silva are poised to capitalize on the opportunity, eager to augment their goal and assist tallies.