ISL Playoff Race Heats Up: 12 Teams Still in Contention

The Indian Super League (ISL) season is nearing its climax, with just a month of matches remaining before the playoffs begin in mid-March. While Mohun Bagan Super Giant have all but secured the League Winners’ Shield, the race for the remaining five playoff spots is wide open, with 12 teams still in contention.

Here’s a look at the current standings and the remaining fixtures for each team:

1. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (46 points, 20 games)

The Mariners are comfortably in first place and need just six points from their remaining four games to mathematically secure the League Winners’ Shield.

Remaining fixtures: Kerala Blasters (A), Odisha FC (H), Mumbai City (A), FC Goa (H)

2. FC Goa (36 points, 19 games)

FC Goa are aiming to secure second place and a direct spot in the semi-finals. They face a challenging run-in, including a trip to league leaders Mohun Bagan.

Remaining fixtures: Mumbai City (A), Kerala Blasters (H), Punjab FC (A), Mohammedan SC (H), Mohun Bagan (A)

3. Jamshedpur FC (34 points, 19 games)

Jamshedpur FC are also in contention for a top-two finish, but face a difficult set of fixtures, including away trips to Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC.

Remaining fixtures: NorthEast United (H), Mohammedan SC (A), Kerala Blasters (A), Odisha FC (H), Chennaiyin FC (A)

4. Bengaluru FC (31 points, 20 games)

Bengaluru FC have revived their playoff hopes with a recent win over Jamshedpur FC. They will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage in their remaining two matches at the Kanteerava Stadium.

Remaining fixtures: NorthEast United (A), Chennaiyin FC (H), East Bengal (A), Mumbai City FC (H)

5. Mumbai City FC (31 points, 19 games)

Mumbai City FC have been defensively solid this season, but their lack of goals could prove costly in their pursuit of a playoff spot. They face a tough run-in, with matches against FC Goa, Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC.

Remaining fixtures: FC Goa (H), Hyderabad FC (A), Mohun Bagan (H), Kerala Blasters (A), Bengaluru FC (A)

6. NorthEast United FC (29 points, 20 games)

NorthEast United are currently in the final playoff spot, but their remaining fixtures are challenging, with matches against Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC potentially crucial to their playoff hopes.

Remaining fixtures: Jamshedpur FC (A), Bengaluru FC (H), Chennaiyin FC (A), East Bengal (H)

7. Odisha FC (26 points, 20 games)

Odisha FC have endured a mixed season and face a difficult task to secure a playoff spot. Their remaining fixtures include matches against Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Remaining fixtures: Hyderabad FC (H), Mohun Bagan (A), Mohammedan SC (H), Jamshedpur FC (A)

8. Kerala Blasters (24 points, 19 games)

Kerala Blasters have shown improvement under caretaker coaches Thomas Tchorz and TG Purushothaman, but their remaining fixtures are daunting, with matches against four of the current top five teams.

Remaining fixtures: Mohun Bagan (H), FC Goa (A), Jamshedpur FC (H), Mumbai City FC (H), Hyderabad FC (A)

9. Punjab FC (24 points, 19 games)

Punjab FC have faltered after a promising start to the season, but they have a favorable run-in compared to other teams around them. A strong finish could see them sneak into the playoffs.

Remaining fixtures: Chennaiyin FC (A), East Bengal (H), FC Goa (H), Hyderabad FC (A), Mohammedan SC (A)

10. Chennaiyin FC (21 points, 20 games)

Chennaiyin FC’s playoff hopes are fading after a difficult season. They will need to win their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Remaining fixtures: Punjab FC (H), Bengaluru FC (A), NorthEast United (H), Jamshedpur FC (H)

11. East Bengal FC (18 points, 19 games)

East Bengal FC’s hopes of reaching the playoffs are slim. They will need a near-perfect run-in and a dramatic collapse from several teams above them to have any chance of making the top six.

Remaining fixtures: Mohammedan SC (A), Punjab FC (A), Hyderabad FC (H), Bengaluru FC (H), NorthEast United (A)

12. Hyderabad FC (16 points, 19 games)

Hyderabad FC are also facing an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. They will need to win their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way to have any chance of making the top six.

Remaining fixtures: Odisha FC (A), Mumbai City FC (H), East Bengal (A), Punjab FC (H), Kerala Blasters (H)

The race for the ISL playoffs is set to be a thrilling one, with several teams still in contention and the final positions likely to be decided in the last few matches of the season.