ISL 2023-24: East Bengal's playoffs qualification scenario

Can East Bengal turn everything in their favour and achieve the almost unachieveable?

The Indian Super League (ISL) is almost at its business end with many teams are fighting for the playoffs qualification. With every match, the ISL league table is getting complex, with multiple teams urging to grab that sixth spot. East Bengal could have been in a much better position if they could have stopped the Mariners in the Kolkata derby on Sunday and seized the crucial three points.

However, after a disappointing defeat, the hopes for their qualification have gone down. Carles Cuadrat’s side now have a mountain to climb if they want to register their name in the top-six of the ISL 2023-24 table. The Red & Gold Brigade are still in the race after the loss against their arch-rivals but now they have to be dependent on other teams to drop points.

Let’s have a look at the possible options on how East Bengal can achieve that sixth spot.

5. Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC need to go down

After a shocking defeat against Hyderabad FC, Chennaiyin FC are on the back foot. Manager Owen Coyle has faith in his lads and ponders that his team can still qualify for the next round. East Bengal on the other hand, will just hope that Chennaiyin FC drop three points to make their job easy for qualification. Adding to that, Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC will have to lose one of their ISL games to make sure East Bengal grab their maiden playoff spot.

4. NorthEast United have to receive a blow  

NorthEast United are in a favorable position to clinch a top-six spot in the ISL. It will take a lot of luck for East Bengal to hope that the Highlanders drop five points, which means almost losing two games.

3. Punjab FC shouldn’t overtake them

Punjab FC have come to fire recently with Madih Talal being the unsung hero for the Shers. Punjab FC have to drop two points apart from losing against East Bengal to make sure the Red & Gold Brigade qualify for the top-six.

2. Bengaluru FC need to fumble

Although Bengaluru FC are not in good form in this ISL season, they have a lot of quality in their side to overturn games in their favour. East Bengal will have to wait and hope that Bengaluru FC drop three points apart from the scenario of defeating them. Carles Cuadrat and his team will keep a close eye on all the fixtures of Bengaluru FC closely.

1. ‘All-win’ or ‘Nothing’ for East Bengal

The primary job of East Bengal will be to earn all three points from all of their remaining ISL fixtures. They have their upcoming three games against Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, and Punjab FC. They have to work extremely hard to beat all these three teams with Kerala being the toughest nut to crack.

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