ISL 2015: Who will be the fourth team to qualify for the semi-finals?

BySomyadeep Sen, SportsCafe Editor

12/01/2015

The penultimate round of matches of the league phase of ISL-2 are almost done with. Three teams – 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 – 4th

Points – 17

Games remaining – 1 [v FC Pune City (H)]

Highest possible position – 4th

Lowest possible position – 7th

Strengths – Vociferous home support. Presence of super-sub Nico Velez, and Simao Sabrosa who can utilize dead-ball situations.

Weakness – Inability to finish off games. A shaky backline with Rehenesh not as brilliant as last season. A negative goal difference.

Probable final position – 6th

Chennaiyin FC

Current Position – 5th

Points – 16

Games remaining - 2 [v Mumbai City FC (H); v FC Pune City (A)]

Highest possible position – 2nd

Lowest possible position – 7th

Strengths – Finding form at the right moment. Stiven Mendoza’s performance in front of the goal. Defence tightening up. A healthy goal difference.

Weakness – 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 – 4th

FC Pune City

Current Position – 6th

Points – 15

Games remaining – 2 [v NorthEast United FC (A); v Chennayin FC (H)]

Highest possible position – 3rd

Lowest possible position – 8th

Strengths – Mutu finally showing glimpses of his talent. A very good Indian contingent. David Platt’s tactical nous. Strong performances at home

Weakness – Poor travellers. Defence suspect to errors. Performances have tailed off in the last few weeks

Probable final position – 5th

Mumbai City FC

Current position – 7th

Points – 13

Games remaining – 2 [v Chennaiyin FC (A); v Atletico de Kolkata (A)]

Highest possible position – 4th

Lowest possible position – 8th

Strengths – A strike force that can tear apart any defence

Weakness – 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 – 7th

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