The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is shaping up to be an exhilarating one, marked by a surprising reversal of fortunes for the top 2 teams in the league. As the international break ends, all eyes are on the upcoming match between Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC on Friday, October 18, at 7:30 pm IST at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, currently sitting at the top of the table. Last season's 10th and 8th-place finishers, respectively, these two sides have defied expectations to emerge as frontrunners in the ongoing campaign. Notably, these two sides are the only teams yet to face a defeat in this edition, making this clash even more significant.

Bengaluru FC’s solid defensive and offensive record

• Under the tactical guidance of Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC has started the season in impeccable form, achieving defensive solidity with four consecutive clean sheets—a record-equaling feat in ISL history. They could become the first side to maintain five consecutive clean sheets at the start of a season.

• Their last season’s struggles seem like a distant memory as the team has found a perfect balance in both defence and attack. They have scored 3+ goals in their last two home games. If they manage to repeat this against Punjab FC, it will mark their longest such streak in the league’s history.

Punjab FC is on the prowl in the second ISL season

Punjab FC, building on the momentum from the second half of last season, has continued to rise. With three wins in three games this season, the team is just one point behind Bengaluru FC and has a game in hand. Their success is characterized by a robust attacking style, with a high volume of chances created and a significant number of late goals (50% of goals after the 85th minute), showcasing their relentless mentality. They, too, remain unbeaten, adding extra weight to this highly anticipated showdown.

• Punjab has averaged 16.7 shots per game, second only to Chennaiyin FC, and 5.7 shots on target per game, showcasing their attacking intent.

• 50% of Punjab’s goals have come after the 85th minute, the highest such share in the ISL this season, proving their knack for late drama.

Head-to-head

In their two ISL meetings, Bengaluru FC went down to Punjab FC in one match and shared the spoils in the other fixture.

Coach Corner:

“Home support may prove to be the difference-maker”

Head coach Gerard Zaragoza knows the pedigree Punjab FC hold and wants to fetch all three points from the game.

He said, "It will be a tough game for us because Punjab is a good team. Of course after us, they are the best defensive team, at least till now. They have good players up front to score goals. But the reality is we will play at home and we hope a lot of people will come to cheer for us. We hope to get three points from the game."

“We are still in the beginning of a big championship”

Panagiotis Dilmperis, on the other hand, is considering the clash against Bengaluru FC as just another away game. He insisted that the focus would be on grabbing the three points rather than the weightage of the clash.

He informed before the fixture, "The two teams from the top of the standings will play tomorrow. But we are still at the beginning of this big championship. For us, it's a regular away game against a good team with good players, good coach and a certain plan. Our plan is to leave the stadium with three points."

Key Players & Milestones

• If Sivasakthi Narayanan starts against Punjab FC, it will mark his 50th ISL appearance. He would also become the eighth Indian and 11th player overall to register 50 appearances for Bengaluru FC in the ISL.
• Bengaluru FC’s Alberto Noguera has won the most fouls in the ISL 2024-25 so far - 16. Four of these 16 fouls were won in the final third.
• Punjab FC’s Filip Mrzljak has an expected goals tally (xG) of 2.63 in the ongoing ISL edition. This is the highest among all the players. Moreover, he has registered 12 shots in three matches (4 shots per game).
• Punjab FC midfielder Ezequiel Vidal has an expected assists value (xA) of 1.12 in this edition, the highest by any player who is yet to register an assist. He has also created six chances till now.

Will Bengaluru’s impenetrable defence hold firm, or will Punjab's persistent attack breakthrough?

ISL Fantasy Picks

• Rahul Bheke (5.1cr) has bagged 42 ISL fantasy points so far
• Filip Mrzljak (8cr) has bagged 22 ISL fantasy points so far

Indian Super League is being streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2 and Sports 18 — Khel is also telecasting select ISL matches LIVE.