ISL 2015: Who will be the fourth team to qualify for the semi-finals?
The penultimate round of matches of the league phase of ISL-2 are almost done with. Three teams β Atletico de Kolkata, Delhi Dynamos FC, and FC Goa - have already booked their place in the semi-finals. With one spot up for grabs, and four teams still in contention, things are going to be heated up.
NorthEast United FC
Current Position β 4th
Points β 17
Games remaining β 1 [v FC Pune City (H)]
Highest possible position β 4th
Lowest possible position β 7th
Strengths β Vociferous home support. Presence of super-sub Nico Velez, and Simao Sabrosa who can utilize dead-ball situations.
Weakness Ββ Inability to finish off games. A shaky backline with Rehenesh not as brilliant as last season. A negative goal difference.
Probable final position β 6th
Chennaiyin FC
Current Position β 5th
Points β 16
Games remaining - 2 [v Mumbai City FC (H); v FC Pune City (A)]
Highest possible position β 2nd
Lowest possible position β 7th
Strengths β Finding form at the right moment. Stiven Mendozaβs performance in front of the goal. Defence tightening up. A healthy goal difference.
Weakness β Overall reliance on Elano and Mendoza. Final away game against FC Pune can prove to be a play-off to decide the final position.
Probable final position β 4th
FC Pune City
Current Position β 6th
Points β 15
Games remaining β 2 [v NorthEast United FC (A); v Chennayin FC (H)]
Highest possible position β 3rd
Lowest possible position β 8th
Strengths β Mutu finally showing glimpses of his talent. A very good Indian contingent. David Plattβs tactical nous. Strong performances at home
Weakness β Poor travellers. Defence suspect to errors. Performances have tailed off in the last few weeks
Probable final position β 5th
Mumbai City FC
Current position β 7th
Points β 13
Games remaining Ββ 2 [v Chennaiyin FC (A); v Atletico de Kolkata (A)]
Highest possible position β 4th
Lowest possible position β 8th
Strengths β A strike force that can tear apart any defence
Weakness β Low on morale. Anelka showing signs of being frayed at the edges. String of bad results. Last two away games against in-form teams. Very bad goal difference
Probable final position β 7thΒ
Probable table after league stage
Probable Semi-final Line up
Semi-final 1: Atletico de Kolkata vs Chennaiyin FC
Semi-final 2: Delhi Dynamos FC vs FC Goa