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With Bengaluru FC already occupying a spot in the ISL playoffs, the competition for the remaining three spots is getting intense day-by-day. Six teams are still in the race for a top 4 finish. As per the league qualification rules, each team plays 18 matches and at the end, the top four teams make it to the playoffs. With only a handful of points separating teams from second to fifth positions, the franchises would be hoping to get positive results in their remaining fixtures and book a slot for themselves.
Here, we take a look at the qualification scenarios for the teams that are still mathematically in the race to get into the top four.
#1 FC Pune City
FC Pune City currently occupy the second spot in the points table with 29 points from 16 games. The Arjun Kapoor co-owned outfit currently are on edge of qualification and can seal a spot with one win or two draws from their remaining two fixtures. Even if they lose both their upcoming games, they still have a good chance of qualification because of their high goal difference (+13). The Stallions already have one foot in the playoffs and will be hoping to get over the line as soon as possible.
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Remaining Fixtures
FC Pune City vs FC Goa
Delhi Dynamos FC vs FC Pune City
#2 Chennaiyin FC
The Super Machans are just a solitary point behind the Stallions and have a great chance to make it to the top 4. The season 2 champions have won 8 games from a total of 16 accumulating 28 points so far. A win in any one of their upcoming games could guarantee them a place in the last four. If they manage to draw both their remaining games and other results go their way a playoff spot might open up for them. They have two tough games coming ahead with both their opponents still in the race for qualification.
Remaining Fixtures
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC
#3 Jamshedpur FC
With a slow start to their ISL campaign, Steve Coppell has somehow managed to bring his team on the right track. The 'Men of Steel' have recently pulled off some positive results boosting their qualification hopes. A couple of wins in their upcoming fixtures could earn them a direct entry into the playoffs. However, one win and a draw could also get them over the line provided other results end up in their favour. Jamshedpur FC will play two of the league's most dangerous sides in their remaining games.
Remaining Fixtures
Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC
Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa
#4 Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC have managed to gather 24 points from 16 games and occupy fifth spot in the points table. The side has staged a massive comeback under their new head coach David James winning 3 of their last 4 encounters. Kerala can only manage to get to a total of 30 points if they win their last 2 games of the group stage. Winning both these game does not ensure them qualification, as all other teams in the qualification race except Mumbai City FC can cross the 30 point mark with positive results in their respective fixtures. Qualification hopes look quite slim for Blasters this season.
Remaining fixtures
Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC
Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters
#5 FC Goa
With a strong start to the season, FC Goa are currently languishing at sixth position in the points table with 20 points from 14 games. They have played 2 games less as compared to most of the teams in the league and will have to work hard for earning a desired spot in the playoffs. FC Goa will have to win all their remaining fixtures to ensure a qualification without hindrance, however, three wins and a draw could also get them over the line depending on other results. The outfit will hope to end their string of poor results and bounce back with strong performances in their upcoming games.
Remaining Fixtures
FC Goa vs Delhi Dynamos
FC Pune City vs FC Goa
FC Goa vs ATK
Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa
#6 Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC are currently placed at seventh spot in the points table with 20 points from 15 games. Even if the Islanders win all their remaining games, they will reach a tally of 29 points. Mumbai have to ensure that they collect three points from each of their remaining three games and hope that other results in the league stage go their way. Having said that, Mumbai's qualification hopes seem very thin.
Remaining Fixtures
Mumbai City FC vs NorthEast United FC
Delhi Dynamos FC vs Mumbai City FC
Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC
