ISL 2023-24: How NorthEast United FC can qualify for play-offs?

NEUFC are currently placed ninth in the ISL league table.

The 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has by far been one of the most breathtaking and uncompromising editions in the history of the league since its inception. The teams just cannot afford any slip-ups or mistakes at this point of the season.

While five teams are still battling it out against each other for the top spot and the ISL league shield, six clubs are still in the race for the sixth and final playoff spot. The stakes are very high for NorthEast United who are also one among the six teams eyeing the sixth position this season. They are currently ranked ninth in the standings with 20 points to their name.

Let us take a look at how the qualification scenarios look like for the Highlanders.

4. Jamshedpur FC and Punjab FC need to drop points

Jamshedpur FC and Punjab FC are both tied on 21 points and are just above NorthEast United. Both sides need to drop points in their remaining fixtures for the Highlanders to qualify. The Red Miners need to lose either or two of their remaining three games and the situation remains very similar for Punjab FC.

3. Bengaluru FC need to go down

Bengaluru FC have been highly inconsistent this season, but they are still one point ahead of Juan Pedro Benali’s side. The Blues need to lose at least one of their three remaining games to allow NorthEast United to qualify for the knockouts. 

2. East Bengal and Chennaiyin FC shouldn’t go past them

East Bengal and Chennaiyin FC are very much in the race for the playoffs. Both sides are level on 18 points while Chennaiyin FC does have a game in hand. NorthEast United needs to beat the Marina Machans while hoping that East Bengal drop points in their remaining games.

1. Win all their remaining games

The biggest requirement for the Highlanders to qualify for the playoffs this season is that they need to win all their remaining matches while hoping the other results also go their way. They certainly need to get a win against Chennaiyin FC away from home and put in an ‘all’ or ‘nothing’ effort in games against Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC.

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