ISL 2022-23: What is the current playoff scenario?

The race for the playoffs is extremely intense in the current campaign.

Indian Super League’s (ISL) 2022-23 campaign is approaching its business end. The stakes are high this year to finish in the top six positions. Due to a slight change in the format, six teams will make it into the playoffs of the premier league competition in India. The top two teams will directly reach the semi-finals whereas the third place team will play the sixth and fourth place team will play the side that finishes fifth in the league table.

Whichever side qualifies for the playoffs, will have a chance to win the ISL Trophy after navigating through the playoff fixtures. While Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC have already secured qualification, four spots are still up for grabs. 

There are plenty of clubs that are involved in the race for the remaining four positions in the league table. Here is a look at the current playoff scenario team-wise after the conclusion of game week 19 in the ISL:

Kerala Blasters FC

Position after game week 19 - 3 (31 points)

Matches Remaining - 3 

Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC (11 February 2023)

ATK Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC (18 February 2023)

Kerala Blasters FC vs Hyderabad FC (26 February 2023)

The Yellow Army is in a strong position to secure ISL playoff qualification after attaining 31 points from 17 fixtures. Ivan Vukomanovic’s men need only one more win to confirm their place in the top six. Having said that, they face strong teams in their remaining three fixtures and must do their utmost to avoid defeats. 

FC Goa

Position after game week 19 - 4 (27 points)

Matches Remaining - 3

FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (11 February 2023)

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC (16 February 2023)

Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa (23 February 2023)

The Gaurs have collected eight out of a possible 12 points in their last four matches. They have momentum on their side. However, securing at least two wins in their last three matches will be a tough ask. Eyes will be on the last league game against the Blues which could be a major fixture in the race for the playoffs for either side. If FCG prevents CFC from winning, then it will be the end of the latter’s quest for a playoff spot.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Position after game week 19 - 5 (27 points)

Matches Remaining - 4

Jamshedpur FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan (09 February 2023)

Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan (14 February 2023)

ATK Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC (18 February 2023)

East Bengal FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan (25 February 2023)

ATK Mohun Bagan is struggling to find form and they must finish the season well in order to confirm their place in the ISL playoffs. In their last four matches, the Mariners have won only once. The advantage for Juan Ferrando’s men in the race for the playoffs is having an extra game in hand in comparison to other candidates. The club should target a minimum of two wins against JFC and EBFC which should take them across the line. 

Bengaluru FC

Position after game week 19 - 6 (25 points)

Matches Remaining - 3

11 February 2023: Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC

15 February 2023: Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC

23 February 2023: Bengaluru FC vs FC Goa

Bengaluru won their last five matches to rekindle their hopes of making it into the playoffs. The club has the best momentum heading into the final three games of the season. But, they play all of the clubs that are above them in the points table and have something to play for. Securing three wins will ensure a spot in the top six for BFC as they play against direct rivals FCG and KBFC in the race. They play all of the remaining games at home, which certainly acts as an advantage. Winning the odd fixture against MCFC will be the biggest challenge as the Islanders are aiming to finish the season undefeated.

Odisha FC

Position after game week 19 - 7 (24 points)

Matches Remaining - 3

Odisha FC vs Hyderabad FC (10 February 2023)

NorthEast United FC vs Odisha FC (17 February 2023)

Odisha FC vs Jamshedpur FC (22 February 2023)

Odisha FC has the easiest run-in among all contenders in the race for the playoffs. They play the bottom two teams in the league table after a difficult game against Hyderabad FC. At the same time, they have the difficult task of winning all of their remaining games to have a realistic chance of making it into the top six and hope that BFC slips up in their fixtures.

Chennaiyin FC

Position after game week 19 - 8 (18 points)

Matches Remaining - 3

Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal FC (12 February 2023)

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC (16 February 2023)

Chennaiyin FC vs NorthEast United FC (24 February 2023)

Chennaiyin FC is mathematically still in the race to secure a top-six place. However, they must win all of their remaining games to reach a possible 27 points. Even then it may not be enough to attain playoff qualification for the Marina Machans. Other results need to go in their favour too.