The Indian Super League 2021-22 has almost reached its business end as teams look to secure ISL playoff qualification.
Hyderabad FC became the first team to book their place in the ISL 2021-22 playoffs after securing 35 points from 18 matches.
Apart from the Nizams, four other teams namely Jamshedpur FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC are still in contention for the remaining three playoff spots.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United and SC East Bengal have been eliminated from the ISL 2021-22 top four race.
On that note, we take a look at the possible scenarios with which the remaining contenders for the top four in the ISL 2021-22 standings can still qualify for the playoffs.
How can Jamshedpur FC qualify for ISL 2021-22 playoffs?
Jamshedpur FC are currently placed second in the ISL 2021-22 standings with 34 points from 17 matches. The Red Miners need just one more point from their remaining three matches in order to secure their place in the ISL playoffs. Owen Coyle’s side will next face Hyderabad FC on March 1, followed by Odisha FC (March 4) and ATK Mohun Bagan (March 7). Needless to say, Jamshedpur are expected to get at least one point from the nine points still available to them as they eye their maiden ISL playoff appearance.
How can ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for ISL 2021-22 playoffs?
Just like Jamshedpur FC, last season’s finalist ATK Mohun Bagan also need just one point from their remaining two matches to book their place in the ISL 2021-22 semi-finals. After sacking former head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, the Mariners have had an impressive turnaround under new coach Juan Ferrando. With 34 points from 18 matches, ATK Mohun Bagan are currently placed third in the ISL standings and need to bag just a point from their remaining two matches against Chennaiyin FC (March 3) and Jamshedpur FC (March 7) to book a playoff berth.
How can Mumbai City FC qualify for ISL 2021-22 playoffs?
Defending champions Mumbai City FC have had an inconsistent ISL campaign this season. Under the tutelage of manager Des Buckingham, the Islanders have registered nine wins, four draws and suffered five defeats so far. Having notched 31 points from 18 matches, Mumbai City FC need another four points to seal their place in the ISL 2021-22 playoffs, meaning they can’t afford to lose anymore league stage games. The reigning champions are scheduled to face Kerala Blasters (March 2) and Hyderabad FC (March 5) in their last two league matches.
How can Kerala Blasters qualify for ISL 2021-22 playoffs?
While Kerala Blasters also remain in contention for ISL 2021-22 playoffs, the Blasters have a tough task at hand. They are currently placed fifth in the ISL standings with 30 points from 18 matches and need another five points to secure a playoff berth. Ivan Vukomanović’s side will next lock horns with Mumbai City FC on March 2, followed by their clash against FC Goa on March 6 and need to win both those matches to qualify for the ISL 2021-22 playoffs.
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Featured photo: Indian Super League
