ISL 2026-27: Dejan Drazic, Irfan Yadwad lead charge in Team of the Week for Matchweek 5

NorthEast United & Bengaluru FC remain the only unbeaten teams in ISL 2026-27 after Match Week 5.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, which began shortly after India’s three friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay, has completed five weeks of action.

The league will now take another break for the November international window, during which the Blue Tigers will face New Zealand twice and compete in the 2026 SAFF Championship.

The game week featured just ten teams, with Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC not in action. East Bengal returned to ISL action after featuring in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two and missing the previous game week.

NorthEast United extended their unbeaten run in the ongoing ISL season to five games, beating Churchill Brothers SC 2-0 in the opening fixture. Mohun Bagan then edged past Odisha FC 3-2 in a goal fest at the Salt Lake Stadium later that day.

This was followed by a highly controversial game at Fatorda, where the referee became the talking point in Bengaluru FC’s 2-1 win over FC Goa. In the fourth game of the week, Sporting Club Delhi extended their winning streak in the 2026-27 ISL to two games, comfortably defeating bottom-placed Inter Kashi FC 3-0.

The final game of the week was yet another goal fest, as Chennaiyin FC defeated East Bengal 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller, with Indian forwards Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad scoring a brace each.

Mohun Bagan SG continue to lead the table, with NorthEast United and Bengaluru FC close behind. Bengaluru FC, however, have a game in hand. Two teams remain unbeaten at the end of matchweek 5, while three are still searching for their first win.

Referees appear to be returning to their previous best, with poor decisions once again impacting the outcomes of games. Meanwhile, the 2026-27 ISL also witnessed its first managerial departure, with Manolo Márquez and Mumbai City FC mutually agreeing to terminate the Spaniard’s contract following several differences of opinion.

With 21 goals scored across just five games, it is only fair that we opt for an attacking formation with fewer defenders. Here are the 11 players who make it into our ISL 2026-27 Team of the Week for match week 5.

Formation: 3-4-3

GK: Hrithik Tiwari

Despite Odisha FC conceding three goals against Mohun Bagan, Hrithik Tiwari was an absolute beast between the sticks. His recent performances have also earned him a call-up to the Indian national team.

Against the Mariners, he was called into action frequently, making nine saves, five of which came from close-range efforts. He was the reason Odisha did not concede more in the first half, making crucial stops against Erwin, Drazic, Liston and Manvir.

CB: Pramveer Singh

Pramveer Singh has been on fire since his move to NorthEast United FC in the summer. The club have kept three clean sheets in five games and have not conceded more than once in a match all season.

Pramveer was a rock at the back, making 11 clearances and three recoveries while winning five duels and one tackle. Although he gave away a few fouls and was dribbled past on occasion, he and Satrustegui were solid against the likes of Wayde Lekay and Sebastian Gutierrez.

CB: Duvan Viafra

Duvan Viafra, the centre-back of Sporting Club Delhi, was instrumental in helping his side secure a clean sheet against an Inter Kashi side that looked to play long balls and attack quickly in transition.

Viafra created one key chance with a long ball from the back while winning all his tackles and duels. He also made five recoveries and four clearances, alongside crucial blocks and interceptions inside his own six-yard box, to help SC Delhi secure their first clean sheet of the season.

CB: Clarence Fernandes

Clarence, another SC Delhi defender who started alongside Duvan Viafra, makes it into the 2026-27 ISL Team of the Week after yet another solid performance against the likes of Ayush Chhikara and Manvir Singh.

In his match against Inter Kashi FC, Clarence made nine clearances, won five duels and registered several interceptions and blocks. He was not dribbled past, made 12 carries and completed five long balls to help progress the play.

LM: Brison Fernandes

Brison Fernandes delivered his best performance in Chennaiyin colours, playing a crucial role in helping the Marina Machans secure their first win of the season against defending champions East Bengal, scoring five goals in the process.

Brison set the tone in the first half, scoring a brace. His first was a calm and composed finish, while the second was a stunning curling effort. He also won the penalty that led to the third goal, completed a few dribbles, and put all four of his shots on target.

CM: Antonio Moyano

Antonio Moyano, who has been a solid presence in the middle of the park for the Highlanders this season, scored his second goal and registered his third goal contribution of ISL 2026-27 against Churchill Brothers SC.

He created a few chances going forward, won all his tackles and ground duels, and made two recoveries in midfield. His goal was a brilliant curling effort that helped his team secure all three points when Churchill Brothers were pushing hard for an equalizer.

CM: Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa, who started last week on the bench, was handed a starting role by head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis in the absence of Sahal and Apuia. Thapa registered an assist, releasing Drazic into acres of space for the opening goal, while also creating four other key chances.

He recorded 90% passing accuracy and completed all his long balls. He also made five recoveries, three clearances and a crucial block, making an impact at both ends of the pitch from his midfield role.

RM: Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad, who scored a screamer in the opening game against FC Goa, had come under heavy criticism after missing chances against Mohun Bagan SG and Kerala Blasters FC.

However, he stepped up against East Bengal, scoring a brace with two well-taken finishes while also assisting Brison’s opening goal. He won all his aerial duels during defensive set pieces, displaying his incredible work rate and commitment, and registered nine shots throughout the game.

LAM: Dejan Drazic

Dejan Drazic, who initially struggled at the start of the 2026-27 ISL season, has started to show glimpses of his FC Goa days, scoring three goals in his last two games for the Mariners. Drazic delivered a complete performance against Odisha FC, registering three shots on target and creating six key chances, in addition to scoring twice.

His first goal was a brilliant piece of individual play, as the Serbian received Thapa’s pass in space, used his movement to get past Eze and finished with his left foot. His second was a simple tap-in at the far post. He also made seven recoveries, won three ground duels and completed six progressive carries.

RAM: Dani Ramírez

Despite his side suffering a 5-3 defeat, Dani Ramírez stood out in the final third for East Bengal FC, registering a goal and an assist while creating four key chances and completing two dribbles.

He made the most of Ayush Chhetri’s mistake for the first goal, winning the ball back before playing a through ball to release Ake Loba. His goal came from the penalty spot after Saheef conceded a penalty. His efforts ended in vain as East Bengal were absolutely awful defensively against the Marina Machans.

ST: Rodriguinho

Rodriguinho, who started up front for SC Delhi, was instrumental in all three goals his side scored against Inter Kashi. He played a beautiful cross across the face of goal for the opener, setting up Fortes perfectly, while his movement to attract opposition defenders helped Pena score the second.

He created three key chances and registered five shots, eventually getting a well-deserved goal late in the game. Nishchal Chandan’s costly mistake presented him with a simple scoring opportunity, and he made no mistake in beating the goalkeeper.

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