After a rigorous few months, the Indian Super League has finally reached its ultimate matchweek, where the top four teams going into the playoff stages will be determined.
While the star-studded ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC have already qualified for the semi-final stage, the last two play-off places are still open for FC Goa, NorthEast United FC and Hyderabad FC to grab.
Interestingly, the last week sees four of these teams pitted against each other. While ATKMB and MCFC will clash for the top spot in the points table, FCG and HFC will fight for a place in the knockout. We bring you the numbers that will help you predict the outcome.
Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
The very last league game of the campaign is expected to be a cracking one when Mumbai lock horns with ATKMB on February 28. With both the sides tied on the same goal difference, Mumbai will look for a win, eyeing to repeat their feat from the return fixture, and secure a direct entry into the AFC Champions League.
However, ATKMB's form has been envious of late whereas MCFC have been hugely inconsistent.
| Results in last 5 matches | ||
| Mumbai City FC | Metrics | ATK Mohun Bagan |
| 4 | Wins | 2 |
| 1 | Draws | 1 |
| 0 | Losses | 2 |
ATKMB's 1-0 loss to MCFC in the previous face-off was an edge of the seat thriller with the Kolkata giants shaking the woodwork as well. Sergio Lobera knows his task is far from easy.
FC Goa vs Hyderabad FC
The other fixture, which is expected to be intense is FC Goa taking on Hyderabad FC. The Gaurs haven't been at their clinical best in the campaign so far, but their gritty displays and last-minute goals have fetched them a glorious chance to seal a knockout place despite the mass exodus last summer.
Their opponent, Hyderabad FC have been a revelation this season and their gruelling 2-2 draw with ATKMB last match, despite being reduced to 10-men, speaks volumes about the ambition that the Nizams hold.
Both FCG and HFC come to the match at the back of two wins and three draws in their last five matches. But Goa will have the psychological advantage given their superior head-to-head against Hyderabad.
| Head-to-Head | ||
| FC Goa | Metrics | Hyderabad FC |
| 3 | Matches | 3 |
| 3 | Wins | 0 |
| 0 | Draws | 0 |
NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters
Hardly any club in ISL this season has shown as much improvement as NorthEast United FC. After a mid-season managerial change, Khalid Jamil has taken the club from a potential mid-table finish to playoff contenders.
Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, are looking to see out this season after yet another failed campaign that was followed by the sacking of coach Kibu Vicuna. The Highlanders and the Tuskers are two of the oldest teams in the league with the latter holding a 5-3 lead in head-to-head.
But recent form suggests NEUFC will ease through Kerala Blasters' challenge.
| Results in last 5 matches | ||
| NorthEast United FC | Metrics | Kerala Blasters |
| 2 | Wins | 0 |
| 3 | Draws | 2 |
| 0 | Losses | 2 |
Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC
With both Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC out of playoff contention, they will look to end their campaign on a positive note. While Jamshedpur will look to rebuild their side from scratch after a topsy-turvy ISL campaign, BFC already have their sights on AFC Cup under a new head coach.
Hence, JFC will be expected to extend their head-to-head record over BFC in the inconsequential match.
| Head-to-Head | ||
| Jamshedpur FC | Metrics | Bengaluru FC |
| 7 | Matches | 7 |
| 3 | Wins | 2 |
| 2 | Draws | 2 |
Odisha FC vs SC East Bengal
It has been a forgettable season for both sides. While SC East Bengal have still managed to find some footing after a terrible start to their maiden ISL campaign, Odisha have gone further down the table even with a set team. Despite the match having no consequences, SCEB are expected to register a win over a struggling OFC side.
| Results in last 5 matches | ||
| Odisha FC | Metrics | SC East Bengal |
| 0 | Wins | 1 |
| 1 | Draws | 1 |
| 4 | Losses | 3 |
Feature Image Courtesy: ISL/Website
