ISL 2017/18: The battle for qualification

As we come towards the end of the league stages of the ISL, we take a look at what each side needs to do as they look to confirm a berth in the Top four.

With as many as six sides still looking to confirm their place in the playoffs, it promises to be a roller-coaster ride which could probably run till the final day of the season when two potential candidates, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC face each other.

#1 Bengaluru FC

The Blues were making their ISL debut this season but displayed no signs of nerves as they became the first side to book their place for the knockouts after a 2-0 win over FC Goa. That win also marked their fifth consecutive win in the league stages, something that no side has ever managed in the past.

However, BFC took their foot off the pedal as they allowed the Stallions to take a point from the Kanteerava.

With with their last two fixtures lined up against potential knockout contenders Jamshedpur and Kerala Blasters, they surely would look throw a rock in their quest for a playoff spot.

#2 FC Pune City

Enter captio — FC Pune City in a strong position to qualify for their first ever knockouts

The Stallions from Pune are one of the two sides(along with NorthEast United) from the past three seasons for the ISL who have never qualified for the playoffs.

They let their lead slip away in 2015 and would be looking to avoid exactly that when they play their final two games of the season. A win against FC Goa on Sunday will give them a ticket for the playoffs.

They would be confident of pulling it off, as they were the first side to prevent FC Goa from scoring in a game this season when they defeated them at the Fatorda in their previous meeting.

#3 Chennaiyin FC

Can the duo of Thapa & Jeje propel Chennaiyin to the knockouts?

The Marina Machans once looked like a side that could challenge Bengaluru FC for the Top spot in the league stages this season. But just eight points from their previous possible 18 has meant that they have been dragged down in the race for a Top Four finish.

With the side from Chennai still to play Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City FC, a win against these two sides could not only guarantee a spot in the semi-finals for the Marina Machans but also dent their others' hopes of qualifying for the Top Four.

However, they would vary of the threat possessed by the Blasters, a side that has managed to collect 10 of a possible last 12 points.

#4 Jamshedpur FC

There is something with the sides managed by Steve Coppell that ensure a late surge towards the end of league stages in the ISL, and interestingly, there is always a related player that steps up when needed.

Last season, the Blasters under Coppell did the same with CK Vineeth rising when it mattered the most, but this season it has been the arrival of the Brazilian Wellington Priori. With the Men of Steel managed just 10 points in the first 9 matches, they have picked up 16 in the last 7 with them keeping pace for a top 4 finish.

With the momentum with them, they are playing their last two games at the furnace, against Bengaluru & FC Goa. With more than two sides capable of reaching 29 points mark (excluding BFC & FCPC), a single win in their last two games might not be enough, depending on other results and hence, Steve Coppell would look to ensure that they pick maximum points.

#5 Kerala Blasters FC

Ente — Will Kerala Blasters qualify for the knockouts for the third time in 4 seasons?

The David James-led side has given themselves hope for qualifying for the playoffs by managing 10 of a possible 12 points in their last four games. With FC Goa breathing down their neck on 20 points with two games in hand over them and Jamshedpur FC two points ahead of them, the onus will be on the Blasters to perform.

Their next match gives them perfect opportunity to do that. A win over Chennaiyin will not only bring them on 27 points, but it will close their gap with their southern rivals to just one point, & a slip up from the Chennaiyin in their final game might actually give the Blasters an opportunity to climb above them.

#6 FC Goa

Coro will look to rise once again and become Goa's hero

The free-flowing FC Goa have looked a shadow of their past in recent games, managing to collect just one point in their previous four games. In fact, they have won just two of their last nine games.

But one thing is for sure, they have something that the other teams do not have. They have four games to play, which is two more than the most of the teams in contention for the playoff spots. And with two of those games against the bottom three sides, six points in those games would mean 26 points.

The other two games are against high-fliers FC Pune City and Jamshedpur FC. But, having beaten Jamshedpur FC earlier this season, they will have the confidence to repeat that feat and take those massive three points which will take them to 29 points. (Excluding the game against FC Pune City)

#7 Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC managed to win against ATK to give themselves a fighting chance, as they kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win.

However, Mumbai City can maximum reach 29 points from now which still might not be enough depending on other results.

What they can do now is hope that the other sides drop points and they win their next fixtures, especially the next two which are against the bottom three sides, NorthEast United & Delhi Dynamos FC and give themselves a chance before they face Chennaiyin FC.

Edited by Tanya Rudra