New Delhi: Though they began their Indian Super League campaign with a win, Punjab FC paid a heavy price for it through the long-term injury of Luka Majcen.
Now they have to find a way to offset his absence against Odisha FC at their home in New Delhi on Friday, yet carry on the momentum achieved in Kochi in their 2-1 opening round win over Kerala Blasters.
New coach Panagiotis Dilmperis must be delighted to have a got a winning start. Though he didn’t start with Majcen, it was the Slovenian who turned the complexion of the match around with his spot kick and set up the injury time winner, coming of the bench in the second half.
But then Rahul KP’s ‘rugby tackle’ fractured his jaw and ruled him out for two months that would have put creases on Dilmperis’ forehead.
𝙷̶𝙾̶𝙼̶𝙴̶ DEN IS WHERE THE HEART IS
The fortress is calling, and the Shers are going to answer with everything they’ve got! 💥
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“He is a fighter and would have been with the team even in this situation if it was possible,” the Greek coach said, and it is this fighting ability that needs to be brought out from others.
He must reset all his offensive plans with additional responsibility on forwards Mushaga Bakenga, Ezequiel Vidal an medio Filip Mrzljak, whose strike ensured Punjab three points in Kerala.
In the early days of the season, Punjab have looked compact under Dilmperis and have displayed a clear vision of their approach. They haven’t offered anything fancy but have been solid unlike their opponents Odisha.
Odisha eye first points
Sergio Lobera have packed their squad with known overseas players and have retained almost the same set of home-grown players but were still upended at their home in Bhubaneswar in their opening game.
Inability to hold on to lead in a 2-3 defeat to Chennaiyin showed that Odisha are a work in progress despite being in charge for the second year. Unable to get a point at home where they were unbeaten last season, they would have to target points on the road to get off the mark in the new season.
Last season they won 1-0 in Delhi through Roy Krishna’s goal. The Fijian remains a key player and reduced the margin against Chennaiyin but would he start over Diego Mauricio is a puzzle for Lobera.
New signing Hugo Boumous sparkled in patches and Lobera would demand more from the playmaker as his link-up play with Mauricio and Krishna could be Odisha’s driving force this season.
Punjab FC vs Odisha FC: ISL match details
Kick-off: 7.30 pm
Live telecast on Sports 18 network
Live streaming on Jio Cinema app
Punjab FC host Odisha FC in their second ISL game in New Delhi on Friday but will be without their inuured striker Luka Majcen Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
