Lechia Gdańsk is set to clash with Puszcza Niepołomice on February 23, 2025, at 12:15 PM, as part of the 22nd round of the PKO BP Ekstraklasa. This match is significant for both teams, especially for Lechia, who come off several strong performances, whereas Puszcza is struggling significantly this season.
Managed by John Carver, Lechia Gdańsk has shown promise early this year, amassing seven points from three matches, which has helped them move away from the relegation zone. Their recent victory against Zagłębie Lubin provided them with much-needed momentum. On the other hand, Puszcza Niepołomice has had a rough run recently, managing only one point from their last three matches, with two losses against Legia Warsaw and Zagłębie Lubin, and just a draw against Górnik Zabrze.
Historically, the two teams faced each other last year, where Puszcza secured a dominant 4-1 victory, highlighting the challenges Lechia might face. John Carver respects Puszcza’s playing style, noting, "We recognize the way Puszcza plays and what will be required of us."
Today's match will be officiated by Tomasz Kwiatkowski from Warsaw, supported by assistant referees Arkadiusz Kamil Wójcik and Jakub Jankowski, with VAR handled by Paweł Pskit and Tomasz Listkiewicz.
Fans can catch the game live on Canal+ Sport 3 and Canal+ 360, with pre-match coverage starting at 11:45 AM. For those preferring online streaming, Canal+ Online provides the broadcast. Lechia is favored to win according to bookmakers, with odds around 2.10 compared to Puszcza's 3.40, and draws priced at 3.30. This indicates Lechia's stronger form leading up to this important contest.
The current standings reveal Lechia situated at the lower end of the table at 16th, with Puszcza trailing right behind at 17th position. This match will be pivotal for both squads as they both need points to stave off relegation threats.
Lechia's lineup for the match consists of Weirauch, Piła, Pllana, Olsson, Kałahur, Mena, Kapić, Neugebauer, Khlan, Bobcek, and Wjunnyk. Meanwhile, Puszcza is expected to field Komar, Mroziński, Jakuba, Szymonowicz, Crăciun, Serafin, Atanasow, Abramowicz, Żukow, Cholewiak, and Barkouski, with their substitutes ready to support as needed.
Carver, reflecting on past encounters, acknowledged, "I know how Lechia conceded goals before, but my focus is on preparing the team for the future and the upcoming challenges. We respect our opponents and understand what we must expect." Notably, Lechia will be without their blocked defensive midfielder, Iwan Żelizko, who is still recovering from injury.
With the stakes high and both teams eager for points, fans can look forward to what promises to be an engaging match. Historical rivalries, recent performances, and tactical matchups all make for intriguing dynamics on the pitch. Puszcza’s recent form may lead one to speculate they’ll come out fighting harder to improve their standings.
Regardless of the outcome, this match is set to impact both teams greatly for the remainder of the season. A strong performance from Lechia could solidify their chance of staying clear of relegation, whereas Puszcza desperately needs to turn their situation around to build some momentum heading forward.