ISL 2026-27: Five Punjab FC players to watch against Odisha FC
Punjab FC will host Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday to close out matchweek 1 of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season. Both clubs are expected to be playoff contenders and will be keen to start their campaigns positively.
Punjab finished fifth in the ISL 2025-26 season and were among the title contenders heading into the final matchweek. Pavlos Dermitzakis took over as Punjab FC head coach over the summer, and the Greek tactician has rebuilt a hungry squad ahead of the new season.
Bijoy Varghese arrives at the match with confidence after appearing for India in friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay during the international break. The 26-year-old centre-back joined Punjab from Inter Kashi last season, played 12 ISL games and recorded 120 defensive contributions while winning 37 duels in the ISL 2025-26 campaign; his defensive work will be important against a revamped Odisha side on Wednesday.
Ricky Shabong, a 23-year-old defensive midfielder, featured in high-profile friendlies in September and October and was ever-present for Punjab in the ISL last season. He made 43 tackles and 23 interceptions across 13 league appearances, and his ball control and quick feet help Punjab relieve pressure when pressed; he will start the ISL 2026-27 campaign against Manuel Molina, who has played against RCD Espanyol and Malaga, putting Ricky’s quickness and decision-making under scrutiny from day one.
Alfred Planas was a major signing for Punjab this summer after representing Inter Kashi last season, where he scored 5 goals and provided one assist in 13 ISL games. The 30-year-old Spaniard can operate as an attacker or in a deeper midfield role and is expected to drop deep to help teammates retain possession and supply the right areas.
Raphael Messi Bouli moved from Jamshedpur FC to Punjab over the summer and brings senior experience after spells with East Bengal and Kerala Blasters. The 34-year-old scored 2 goals in 13 games for Jamshedpur, created 17 chances and won 125 duels in the ISL 2025-26 season, figures he will aim to improve at his new club.
The 2021 is part of Punjab’s setup from 2022 and helped them win the I-League title in the 2022-23 season; Manglenthang Kipgen played all 13 ISL matches for the Shers last season, scoring 2 goals and providing one assist. Operating on the right wing, Kipgen uses his pace, drops back to assist defenders and registered 50 recoveries and 35 defensive contributions in the previous ISL campaign.
Punjab FC and Odisha FC will meet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday to conclude matchweek 1 of the ISL 2026-27 season.
