With 2 teams already having qualified for the top 4 and only 3 match days left to go,the fans find themselves between an exciting yet nail biting race in which the teams standing a chance to qualify make every effort to play in the cracking semi final of the Hero ISL.
Mumbai City were the first team to qualify for the semis followed by ATK Mohun Bagan who are 2nd in the table, and qualified after the Nazims drew there game against East Bengal. Speaking of the Nazims, who are currently 3rd courtesy of a point from yesterday’s game, but have played an extra game than the teams presently at positions 4 and 5.
The Nazims have played great so far this season as compared to last season and the atmosphere at the club also seems to be very positive, as the Head Coach of the club extended his contract until 2023 this week. Even though there are possibilities of Hyderabad qualifying for the knockouts for the first time ever, things are not gonna be easy for Manuel Roca’s men, as they will be facing some tough teams hereafter en route their quest for the top 4. Hyderabad will be facing Kerala Blasters next, before hosting the Mariners and would face off against FC Goa, in what appears to be the game of the season looking at the current dynamics in the point table.
FC Goa, who are currently 4th but could jump up to 3rd place after their game against Chennayin have been consistent all throughout the season and have ended up as a part of one of the most compact and close playoff races that ISL has ever seen. Under Juan Ferrando the Gaur’s might have not played under their elite standards but have definitely impressed the likes of everyone once again this season and no doubt are major contendors for the playoffs. With 4 games left and the team’s at the on 3rd and 5th being negligiblely close to them, it’s no doubt that the the Gaur’s won’t want to lose even a single point in the last 4 fixtures. Their next two games will be comparitively less competitive for them as they face Chennai and Odisha and in their final two fixtures lock horn Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Now speaking of the team at the 5th position, Northeast could take that spot and rightly so after their impecable and relentless commitment to win. Northeast being level on points with the top 4 and just one point shy of the 3rd place, is a script no one could have ever imagined looking at the situation mid season, when they were struggling to pick up points under Gerard Nus, but his sacking and the entry of their interim coach Khalid Jamil, the picture completely changed for the Highlanders they went on to pick 3 wins in a row and are undefeated in 6 of their last games. Northeast also being a part of the tight table situation, have to give in their hundred percent in the 4 of the last fixtures. Northeast face Odisha, Chennai, East Bengal and Kerela in their final group stage matches.
Other than these teams, other teams like Bengaluru and Jamshedpur also stand a fair chance to qualify only if they play with a better mentality and intent altogether.
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