UP vs PUN Dream11 prediction: Today's match predicted playing 7s for UP Yoddhas vs Puneri Paltan Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 97

UP Yoddhas (UP) and the Puneri Paltan (PUN) go head-to-head in the 97th match of Pro Kabaddi 2024 on Saturday, December 7, at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.

A crucial game with respect to the playoffs' qualification scenario, the fourth-placed UP Yoddhas take on the eighth-placed Paltan, with only four points separating the two teams. The Yoddhas are in a great run of form, with only one defeat in their last eight matches and were last seen in a 32-32 tie with Dabang Delhi KC.

However, the inconsistent Paltan suffered a heavy and demoralizing defeat in the Maharashtra derby to U Mumba, going down 29-43 in front of their home fans. Head coach BC Ramesh stepped away from his position post that match, with Ashok Shinde named the new head coach of the team.

They'll be keen to get back to the top half of the table with a win tonight and give back to their passionate home crowd.

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UP vs PUN Match Details

Match: UP vs PUN, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 97

Date and Time: December 7, 2024; 8:00 pm IST

Venue: Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune.

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

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UP vs PUN Probable Playing 7s

UP Yoddhas

Sumit (C), Bharat Hooda, Bhavani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Ashu Singh, Hitesh, and Mahender Singh.

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Puneri Paltan

Akash Shinde (C), Gaurav Khatri/Dadaso Pujari, Mohit Khaler/Mohd Amaan, Abinesh Nadarajan, Mohit Goyat, Sanket Sawant, and Pankaj Mohite.

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UP vs PUN Dream11 Team Prediction Top Picks, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 97

Raider - Bhavani Rajput

At the moment, too much uncertainty is brewing in the Paltan camp, and while they have raiders with high points ceilings like Mohit Goyat, Pankaj Mohite, and Akash Shinde, none of them have been reliable Dream11 picks for sometime now. While that makes them good punts, someone like Bhavani Rajput seems a steadier Dream11 selection for this fixture.

The tall raider has grown somewhat into the leader of the Yoddhas' raiding unit, putting in solid numbers of 93 raid points and three tackle points in 15 appearances. He's in good form now and could be a solid Dream11 pick.

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Defender - Sumit

Despite a tough outing against Delhi last time out, Sumit remains the premier Dream11 defensive pick in most matches, with the Yoddhas' left corner scoring 50 tackle points in only 15 appearances this season. With most of the Paltan defense, Gaurav Khatri, in particular, in poor form, and at a heavy risk of getting substituted out, it makes more sense to back the reliable and consistent Sumit.

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All-Rounder - Abinesh Nadarajan

Abinesh Nadarajan has been one player whose passion and commitment hasn't dropped in a single game for the Paltan, and while he has had his off-days, he has turned out to be one of the better Dream11 picks from their side. With 33 tackle points in 16 games, Abinesh has posted good numbers for a cover defender, and is a better Dream11 option on paper in comparison to the inconsistent Bharat and Mahender Singh.

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UP vs PUN Match Captain/Vice-Captain Choices

Sumit

Gaurav Khatri/ Mohit Goyat

Hitesh/ Bharat/ Bhavani Rajput

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Four Must-Picks for UP vs PUN, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 97

Sumit, Hitesh, Abinesh Nadarajan, and Gagan Gowda/Bhavani Rajput.

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UP vs PUN Expert Tips for Pro Kabaddi 2024

This is an extremely tough clash to pick a team for as the Yoddhas are in good form and could be called the favorites based purely on that factor, but the Paltan are the defending champions, and they have more than enough quality to take down any team in this league.

However, the sheer squad depth they have and the tendency to make early substitutions hurts the Dream11 prospects of Puneri Paltan picks.

Sumit, Hitesh, and Abinesh Nadarajan are safe choices along with Bharat, but the Pune raiding trio, Gaurav Khatri, and their starting left corner all have a very high points ceiling. Captaincy-wise, Sumit and Hitesh stand out, with Gaurav Khatri and Mohit Goyat the best of the lot for the Paltan.

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UP vs PUN Dream11 Prediction Team, Grand League

Defenders: Gaurav Khatri, Sumit, and Hitesh.

All-Rounders: Abinesh Nadarajan and Bharat.

Raiders: Bhavani Rajput and Akash Shinde.

Captain: Sumit. | Vice-captain: Gaurav Khatri.

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UP vs PUN Dream11 Prediction Team, Head-to-Head League

Defenders: Sumit, Hitesh, and Mohd Amaan.

All-Rounders: Abinesh Nadarajan.

Raiders: Pankaj Mohite, Gagan Gowda, and Mohit Goyat.

Captain: Hitesh. I Vice-captain: Mohit Goyat/Abinesh Nadarajan.