The Indian Super League (ISL) and its affiliated tournaments never cease to deliver pulse-pounding drama, but the upcoming AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 semi-final between East Bengal FC and Punjab FC—once known as RoundGlass Punjab FC—promises to be a tinderbox of emotion and tactical wizardry. As we edge closer to December 4, 2025, at the iconic Fatorda Stadium in Goa, the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups are already sparking fervent debates among fans, analysts, and pundits alike.
This clash isn’t merely a gateway to the final; it’s a narrative of resurgence, where East Bengal’s storied legacy collides with Punjab’s plucky ascent. we’ll unpack the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups layer by layer—predicted starting elevens, pivotal matchups, tactical blueprints, and a detailed scorecard from their last electrifying encounter. For the Torchbearers and the Shers, this is more than football; it’s heritage on the line.
The Historic Rivalry: Why East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC Lineups Define Legacy
Rooted in the annals of Indian football, the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups evoke a blend of tradition and tenacity. East Bengal FC, the Red and Gold brigade with 39 Calcutta League titles, represents Kolkata’s unyielding spirit—fierce, fanatical, and forever forward. Punjab FC, evolving from its RoundGlass Punjab FC days since 2020, injects youthful vigor and strategic nous into the fray, having punched above their weight in recent ISL seasons.
Their head-to-head ledger reads like a thriller: From 12 meetings, East Bengal boasts six wins to Punjab’s two, with four draws, and an average of 2.92 goals per game. The most recent ISL bout on December 17, 2024, saw East Bengal orchestrate a stunning 4-2 comeback, underscoring how East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups can swing fortunes in an instant.
This Super Cup semi-final amplifies the stakes. East Bengal, under coach Oscar Bruzon, enters with momentum from group stage dominance, while Punjab, coached by the astute Staikos Vergetis, knocked out Bengaluru FC in a penalty shootout thriller on November 5, 2025. The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups will be dissected for every nuance—will Bruzon unleash his high-pressing hounds, or will Vergetis fortify with a counter-attacking shell? In a tournament where one goal can crown champions, these selections are the spark that could light the Fatorda inferno.
Form Guide: Momentum Heading into the Lineup Showdown
Context is king when forecasting East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups. East Bengal sits atop the Super Cup group with three wins from three, including a 2-1 upset over FC Goa. Their attack hums at 2.3 goals per game, spearheaded by Cleiton Silva’s predatory instincts (four goals already). Defensively, they’ve shipped just two, thanks to a rock-solid backline. Yet, injuries to midfield dynamo Sahal Abdul Samad loom large, potentially forcing lineup rejigs.
Punjab FC, meanwhile, scraped through Group C with a draw against Gokulam Kerala and that Bengaluru heroics, amassing seven points. Their away form is gritty—unbeaten in four—but conceding 1.5 goals per outing exposes vulnerabilities. The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups will hinge on recovery: Punjab regains talisman Madih Talal from suspension, a boon for their fluid midfield. Stats whisper parity: East Bengal’s 52% possession average meets Punjab’s 48%, but the Torchbearers edge shots on target (4.7 vs 3.9). As Goa’s humid air thickens the drama on December 4, these East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups could propel one to glory or doom the other to heartbreak.
Predicted East Bengal FC Lineup: Press, Pace, and Precision
Diving into the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups, East Bengal’s predicted XI under Bruzon favors a dynamic 4-2-3-1, a shape that’s netted 70% of their goals this term. It’s built for relentless pressing, turning turnovers into treasures.
- Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith – The wall between the sticks, with a 82% save rate and distribution that rivals midfielders.
- Defense: Mandar Rao Dessai (RB), Hijazi Maher (CB), Ajay Chhetri (CB), Nishu Kumar (LB) – Maher’s aerial dominance (3.2 clearances/game) anchors, while Dessai’s overlaps (1.5 crosses) stretch play.
- Midfield: Sahal Abdul Samad (DM, if fit; else VP Suhair), Alex Lima (DM) – The pivot provides steel; Lima’s interceptions (2.1/game) fuel transitions.
- Attacking Mid: Naorem Mahesh Singh (RW), Cleiton Silva (AM), Saul Crespo (LW) – Silva’s vision (4 assists) knits it, with Mahesh’s dribbles terrorizing flanks.
- Striker: PV Vishnu – The breakout star, poaching six goals with clinical finishes.
This East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups setup thrives on width, targeting Punjab’s occasional full-back lapses. Bench options like David Lalhlansanga add bite for late surges. Analysts peg East Bengal at 58% win odds with this array, but Sahal’s absence could dilute midfield bite—Bruzon’s gamble on youth might just pay off in Goa’s cauldron.
Predicted Punjab FC Lineup: Grit, Guile, and Counter-Punch
Flipping the script for the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups, Punjab’s Vergetis is tipped to deploy a resilient 4-3-3, emphasizing compact defending and lethal breaks—a formula that felled Bengaluru.
- Goalkeeper: Ravi Kumar – Steady hands (75% saves), his long balls ignite counters.
- Defense: Nirmal Chettri (RB), Suresh Meitei (CB), K Lhungdim (CB), Jitendra Singh (LB) – Lhungdim’s tenacity (2.8 tackles) shores up, but discipline is key post his prior red.
- Midfield: Ashish Pradhan (CM), Asmir Suljic (CM), Ricky Shabong (CM) – Suljic’s engine (88% pass accuracy) dictates tempo.
- Attack: Juan Mera (RW), Madih Talal (ST), Pulga Vidal (LW) – Talal’s hold-up (3.4 duels won) links, Vidal’s flair (1.9 dribbles) dazzles.
The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups here scream pragmatism: Soak pressure, strike venomously. Punjab’s away resilience (three clean sheets in five) bodes well, but exposing wingers to East Bengal’s press risks chaos. Subs like Nandhakumar Sekar could flip scripts.
Head-to-Head Heat: Matchups That Could Decide the Lineups’ Fate
The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups shine brightest in the cauldron of individual duels. Spotlight on five:
- Cleiton Silva vs Suresh Meitei: Silva’s cunning (top ISL creator) versus Meitei’s marking. In December 2024, Silva’s free-kick sparked Maher’s goal—expect poetry or peril.
- Asmir Suljic vs Alex Lima: Midfield titans. Suljic’s vision clashes with Lima’s disruptions; winner controls the engine room.
- Naorem Mahesh Singh vs Jitendra Singh: Flank fireworks. Mahesh’s speed (2.4 dribbles) tests Jitendra’s recovery—pure pace vs poise.
- PV Vishnu vs Ravi Kumar: Finisher vs keeper. Vishnu’s opportunism meets Kumar’s reflexes; one moment, one goal.
- Hijazi Maher vs Pulga Vidal: Defender’s duel. Maher’s headers neutralize Vidal’s trickery, a battle of brawn and brilliance.
Tactical Deep Dive: Strategies Shaping the Lineups
Unraveling East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups reveals tactical tapestries. East Bengal’s 4-2-3-1 deploys asymmetric pressing—left heavy to funnel Punjab right—yielding 1.8 xG/game. Bruzon’s half-time tweaks, like subbing wingers for fresh legs, flipped their 2024 comeback.
Punjab’s 4-3-3 morphs to 5-4-1 out of possession, frustrating wide attacks (conceding 0.8 from flanks). Vergetis favors vertical passes (45% long balls), exploiting East Bengal’s high line. Weather in Fatorda—muggy, 28°C—may force adaptations: East Bengal to possession dominance, Punjab to set-pieces (25% goals).
Bench depth decides: East Bengal’s David Hmar for impact; Punjab’s Ricky for rotation. The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups mandate squad rules—five subs max—testing versatility amid Super Cup’s grueling schedule.
Full Scorecard Breakdown: Echoes from the December 2024 Thriller
To calibrate expectations, revisit the December 17, 2024, ISL stunner: East Bengal’s 4-2 remontada over Punjab at Salt Lake. This table distills the drama, balanced with six equal categories for symmetry.
| Category | East Bengal FC Details | Punjab FC Details | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Lineup | GK: Vishal Kaith; DF: Mandar Rao Dessai, Hijazi Maher, Ajay Chhetri, Nishu Kumar; MF: Sahal Abdul Samad, Alex Lima, VP Suhair, Naorem Mahesh Singh; FW: Cleiton Silva, PV Vishnu (4-4-1-1) | GK: Ravi Kumar; DF: Nirmal Chettri, Suresh Meitei, K Lhungdim, Jitendra Singh; MF: Ashish Pradhan, Asmir Suljic, Ricky Shabong; FW: Juan Mera, Madih Talal, Pulga Vidal (4-3-3) | East Bengal’s fluid attack vs Punjab’s compact block; 44% possession for EBFC. |
| Goals Scored | Hijazi Maher (46′, header from Silva FK); PV Vishnu (54′, deflection); Suresh Meitei OG (60′); David Lalhlansanga (67′, assist Vishnu) | Asmir Suljic (21′, tap-in); Pulga Vidal (39′, solo brilliance) | Comeback classic: EBFC 4 second-half goals; Punjab led 2-0 at HT. |
| Shots (On/Off Target) | 7 total (3 on, 4 off) | 14 total (6 on, 8 off) | Punjab dominated chances; EBFC clinical (43% conversion). |
| Passes Completed | 350/400 (88%) | 420/470 (89%) | Punjab’s midfield edge; EBFC focused on progressive passes (62% forward). |
| Tackles/Wins | 15/20 (75%) | 18/22 (82%) | Fierce battles; Lhungdim’s red (64′) shifted momentum. |
| Substitutions | PV Vishnu for Suhair (50′); David Lalhlansanga for Mahesh (60′); Mohammed Rakip for Lima (75′) | Nandhakumar for Mera (55′); Harmanjot Khabra for Shabong (70′); Nikhil Prabhu for Talal (80′) | EBFC subs ignited rally; Punjab’s changes couldn’t stem tide. |
Fan Frenzy: The Pulse of East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC Lineups
No analysis of East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups omits the faithful. East Bengal’s Salt Lake faithful (average 20K attendance) morph into Goa’s traveling army, their tifos a sea of red-gold. Punjab’s Shers, though smaller, roar loudest online—X polls show 52% backing an upset. Influencers like @ISLInsider predict 2-1 East Bengal, citing home-like Fatorda vibe for Kolkata sides.
Memes flood feeds: Punjab fans jest “Sher vs Torch—fire meets claws!” Lineup leaks (unofficial) trend, with EBFCLineup spiking 300%. This digital diaspora turns East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups into cultural currency, blending banter with blind faith.
Youth Infusion vs Veteran Steel: Lineups’ Generational Gambit
A hallmark of East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups is the age alchemy. East Bengal averages 26.2 years, blending Silva’s sage (32) with Vishnu’s verve (22)—youth scores 35% of goals. Punjab tips at 25.8, Talal (24) meshing with Vidal’s experience (28). Injuries test this: East Bengal sans long-term absentees, Punjab nursing Prabhu’s knock.
Academy gems like East Bengal’s Rakip (debut goal threat) vs Punjab’s Lhungdim (red-card prone) highlight growth. The East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups thus embody ISL’s evolution—nurturing talent amid trophy hunts.
Conclusion: Lineups as Legacy-Makers
As Fatorda’s floodlights beckon on December 4, the East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups stand poised to etch history. From predicted prowess to tactical tango, duels to data, this semi-final simmers with possibility. Will East Bengal’s fire consume Punjab’s pride, or will the Shers roar back? One thing’s certain: In Indian football’s grand theater, these East Bengal FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups are the scriptwriters.
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