ISL Adda Notes: Here are the numbers to ace Matchweek 12

The Indian Super League 2020-21 season has been riveting so far, with ISL table toppers Mumbai City FC consolidating their lead to five points clear of second-placed ATK Mohun Bagan on Monday, having played 10 games each.

As we enter matchweek 12, the race for the top four intensifies in the ongoing ISL and here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures:

NorthEast United FC vs Bengaluru FC

NorthEast United, who have now gone six games without a win, welcome a troubled Bengaluru FC in the first fixture of matchweek 12. When comparing the current form guides, neither side has strong momentum with them, but one can expect Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru to turn things around. The teams met earlier this season, with the Nizams staging a comeback from a two-goal deficit to register a 2-2 draw against the Blues.

In the NorthEast United FC vs Bengaluru FC head-to-head record, the Blues have won five of their nine previous meetings and, thus, carry a psychological edge ahead of their showdown at Tilak Maidan Stadium.

When it comes down to the scoring output, both NorthEast and Bengaluru have scored 12 goals apiece. But interestingly, Bengaluru FC have scored eight goals in the second half, with four of them coming within the 46 - 60 minutes bracket.

With four goals in 10 games, Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri is tipped to open the scoring for Bengaluru. At the same time, hosts NorthEast will pin their hopes on Idrissa Sylla to put his best foot forward, given the absence of topscorer Kwesi Appiah.

Odisha FC vs Chennaiyin FC

Two days on from their 0-0 stalemate, Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC resume hostilities to get their beleaguered season back on track. Chennaiyin, currently eighth in the ISL 2020-21 standings, have won just two of their ten games so far but remain in positive spirits, as they have the joint-third best defensive record this season (conceded 11 goals). On the other hand, Odisha FC are placed rock-bottom with a solitary win coming against Kerala Blasters last week.

In the OFC vs CFC head-to-head figures, the Kalinga Warriors have won once - January 6, 2020 - while their other two meetings have ended with the teams sharing spoils.  

The Marina Machans are favourites to open the scoring in this encounter, as they have netted five times in the first 15 minutes of an ISL game this term. Defensively, Odisha have conceded 11 goals within the initial 45 minutes, while Chennaiyin have been relatively stingy as they have leaked just three goals.

Odisha registered the first clean sheet of ISL 2020-21 in their last fixture and will be eager to pull off a similar result. But, Chennaiyin’s strike force - led by Rahim Ali - will also look to spoil the party.

FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC

Fourth-placed FC Goa have the overall advantage over Jamshedpur FC in the ISL, and the Gaurs seek to revive their winning momentum that was halted by newcomers SC East Bengal. 

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC, reeling from a disheartening 2-3 loss to Kerala Blasters, eye a change of fortunes in their reverse fixture against Goa.

On one hand, Owen Coyle’s Jamshedpur has kept two clean sheets against FC Goa in five recent matchups. However, Goa have been delirious in their scoring prowess, scoring 13 goals in the seven duels. Considering this stat, one can safely say that the Red Miners need to pull up their socks and erect a wall to counter Igor Angulo, who has scored nine times in 10 games this season and three in the last five meetings with Jamshedpur.

Jamshedpur’s Nerijus Valskis, who has eight goals in 10 matches, will look to strike in the first half-hour of the game as his side have a better conversion rate - four goals in 30 mins - than Goa (two goals).

SC East Bengal vs Kerala Blasters

SC East Bengal and Kerala Blasters’ first-ever clash in the Indian Super League ended in a 1-1 draw, and a win for either side helps them move out from the bottom three.

Under the tutelage of Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, East Bengal are in high spirits following a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC and are poised to frustrate a Kerala team that has struggled defensively in the competition. On the other hand, the Tuskers scripted a remarkable comeback result against Jamshedpur (3-2) and will fancy their luck at spelling trouble for the Red and Gold Brigade.

Kerala Blasters, going by the numbers, have the knack to score at a better rate than East Bengal and Jordan Murray, with four goals in the last five matches, is the pick of the lot to be the top-scoring player in the contest.

Mumbai City FC vs Hyderabad FC

Table-toppers Mumbai City FC take on Hyderabad FC in the most prominent fixture of gameweek 12, as both teams are in the top three spots of the ISL 2020-21 standings. While Mumbai’s scorching form has been the talk of the town, Hyderabad will likely pull off a surprise act. 

MCFC have been prolific in front of the goal, scoring 17 goals with 10 of them coming in the first half. Meanwhile, HFC have scored 12 of their 15 goals in the second half, meaning the latest tussle between the clubs won’t be a one-sided affair.

As far as clean sheets are concerned, Mumbai have kept one clean in three meetings with Hyderabad and Sergio Lobera’s men will be the favourites to register a win over Manuel Marquez’s unit.

Feature image courtesy: 2021 Indian Super League.