Kolkata: That four teams will be still involved in the title race going into the last day of a season is a phenomena never occurred in two decades of Indian football and Thursday may well be the first time this has happened.
But standing on the brink of history, if there is one thing that separates the I-League from any other leagues of the world is its unpredictability. Thrice in the last four seasons have teams gone into the final day unaware who might walk away with the title and this comes as aa surprise given the work of the officials to forcibly downstep the league and in its place transcend the ISL.
Often subdued and left in ignorance, the I-League would end on a thrilling note when six teams step into the field one final time — each fighting its own battle.
Minerva Punjab, Neroca, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal among those four are vying for the title, while Churchill Brothers fight is to survive. Gokulam are immune to relegation but surprisingly coach Bino George has called it a must-win match for them inorder to directly qualify for the Super Cup.
Minerva Punjab’s chances
As things stand Minerva lead the table with 32 points after 17 games and are in the best position to clinch the title. They require just a victory over Churchill Brothers in their final encounter.
But given how things have unravelled for them this season, the Warriors should have by now already walked away with the title but five defeats — that came in crunch situations — means they are still fighting for it. But unlike other teams Minerva have their fate on their own hands.
Anything less than a win means they have to depend on other results going their way. in case they lose or draw the ‘Red Machines’, East Bengal’s match against Neroca have to end in a draw and Bagan have to lose against Gokulam. With there also stands a tricky situation where if Minerva draw and Bagan wins, still then Minerva may well walk out with the title because of their better head-to-head record against the Mariners.
Neroca FC
In their debut season, not many expected Neroca FC to trade the path they have trodden. They are second in the table on 31 points from 17 matches and need not only a victory against the Red and Golds but also hope that Minerva fail to beat Churchill. Anything less a win for them will kick Neroca out of the title race.
Mohun Bagan
After the manner in which Bagan started their I-League campaign this term — four draw, one defeat and just two wins in first even games — that they are still in the contention for the title comes as a surprise. But the faltering of other teams coupled with Bagan’s undefeated run on the road meant not just Bagan remain on the hunt but are also among the favourites to win.
On 30 points after 17 matches, they require a victory and hope that both Minerva and Neroca fail to win their respective matches. Other than a victory nothing less than a Minerva loss can bring the title to their grip.
East Bengal
Going into the last two matches, East Bengal had a simple equation. Win both the matches and secure their first I-League win in 16 years time. But the 2-2 draw against Shillong Lajong in their penultimate game means from being the favourites, they stand with the least chance to clinch the title.
Not just a win, the Red and Golds will also have to hope that both Minerva Punjab and Mohun Bagan lose. In case all three end up in 33 points, Bagan still will win the title because of their better record across the three teams.
Churchill Brothers’ battle
Unlike the top four Churchill are not chasing the title, but are battling for survival in the league. Quite surprising for that the two time champions are in such a situation while the others still chase their maiden. The ‘Red Machines’are currently ninth with 17 points from 17 games and require a victory anyhow over Minerva Punjab.
That both Indian Arrows and Gokulam Kerala have been removed from relegation have induced most pressure on Chennai and Churchill. The former are a notch above on 17 points making it a do-or-die encounter for the ‘Red Machines’.
Gokulam Kerala
Their season should already been over by now, given they are immune to relegation. But coach Bino George sees the Bagan encounter as a privilege to break into the top six and earn a direct entry into the Super Cup finals. Gokulam are currently seventh with 20 points after 17 games and a victory will take then to sixth.
East Bengal vs Neroca FC – Live from salt Lake Stadium at 3:00 p.m
Minerva Punjab vs Churchill Brothers – Live from Tau Devi Lal Stadium at 3:00 pm.
Mohun Bagan vs Gokulam Kerala FC – Live from EMS Corporation Stadium at 3:00 p.m
Telecast —
East Bengal vs Neroca FC – Star Sports 1 / HD 1
Minerva Punjab vs Churchill Brothers – Star Sports 2 / HD 2
Gokulam Kerala vs Mohun Bagan – Hotstar
All the three matches can be watched on Hotstar as well as Jio TV