ISL 2023-24: Top three favorites for playoffs' sixth spot

The race for the final available ISL playoff spot is an intense one.

The 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is approaching the end of the league stage. It has been an intense season with hardly any room for error. Five out of six playoff positions have been confirmed and the competition for the final playoff berth is breakneck, to say the least.

Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha FC, FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC have confirmed their playoff qualification. However, several teams are in with a chance to join them in the next stage of the ISL. Considering the points difference and the matches left, any of the remaining teams, except Hyderabad FC, can still mathematically reach the playoffs.

To that end, here is a look at the top three favorites for the ISL 2023-24 playoffs sixth spot.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC occupies the sixth position with 22 points from 20 matches. With two matches left to go, the Blues will try to win both of them and hope that one of the teams below them falters. 

Bengaluru FC is set to play against East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan in their remaining two matches. The Blues lost to the Mariners but secured a hard-fought win against the Red & Gold Brigade in the reverse fixtures. 

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC occupies the seventh position with 21 points from 20 matches in the league table. The Men of Steel also have two matches remaining and need Bengaluru FC to drop points to leapfrog them into the sixth position on the table.

Their upcoming match against Chennaiyin FC on 4 April 2024 is being regarded as a do-or-die contest because Owen Coyle’s men are direct competitors for a playoff spot. A defeat for Jamshedpur FC will be detrimental to their hopes of making the top six. The final league fixture against the Gaurs could be a good opportunity for three points with Manolo Marquez potentially resting key players ahead of the playoffs.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have emerged as one of the favorites to grab the sixth position after their stellar win over Mohun Bagan by a 3-2 scoreline away from home. Thanks to that win, the Marina Machans, in the ninth spot, have accumulated 21 points but have three matches left to play, one more than Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC.

A clash against Jamshedpur FC on 4 April will be crucial for Owen Coyle’s men where a win will put them in the driving seat. Furthermore, with the winds on their side, CFC will back itself to secure points against NorthEast United and FC Goa in the final two matches of the league stage and overtake both the Blues and the Men of Steel to grab the sixth spot. Two wins in the last three matches means they are the in-form team heading to the run-in.

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