ISL Adda Notes: Numbers to help you ace Matchweek 19

With the Indian Super League approaching the closing matchweeks of the league stages, the title contenders are getting prominent with every passing week. And with as many as four teams vying for the last two playoff spots, matchweek 19 might serve as a significant juncture in the title race.

Here are all the numbers that can help you win this week:

SC East Bengal vs Hyderabad FC

Joining the Indian Super League at the very last moment, SC East Bengal's struggled are evident and obvious. Though manager Robbie Fowler has steadied the ship after a tumultuous few opening week in the league, the Red and Gold Brigade are yet to learn to close games.

The 10th placed Kolkata giants are up against fourth-placed Hyderabad FC, who have been a revelation this season. While the two have crossed paths just once in ISL so far, their form in the last five matches might hint at the momentum of the two teams going into this fixture.

With both the teams winning just once in the last five games, the outcome is expected to be decided by small margins and the Nizams are expected to clinch the winner.

Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa

After overturning a terrible a season into a successful campaign, where Chennaiyin FC finished as the runners-up in the ISL, the Marina Machans have mellowed down this season. They have won just three of their 17 matches and are almost certain to miss out on a play-off spot.

Hence, going up against a stern FC Goa side won't be easy. After stopping Mumbai City FC to a 3-3 draw last match, Juan Ferrando's men are on a sure of getting a win against CFC to further cement their top-four spot.

FC Goa edge Chennaiyin FC only slightly in their head-to-head, with the Gaurs winning nine of their 18 encounters while Chennai winning eight of them. And their recent form suggests that Goa might extend it further.

NorthEast United FC vs Odisha FC

The Highlanders should be credited for the fighting spirit they have showed despite a mid-season managerial changed and crucial injuries hindering the first half of their ISL 2020-21 campaign. Under Khalid Jamil's expertise, the club is still very much in the top four race and have an under confident Odisha FC as their opponents next.

The Juggernauts have finally found some footing in ISL this season after spending the first half of the season in oblivion. Sitting at the bottom of the table, Odisha FC have been an "also-ran" side in the race this season with manager Gerry Peyton looking to find a respectable finish.

However, NEUFC's ruthlessness might prove to be too much for the Kalinga Warriors.

ATK Mohun Bagan vs Jamshedpur FC

After Jamshedpur FC handed ATK Mohun Bagan their first defeat of the ISL 2020-21 season, the Mariners will be raring to go for the returning fixture and avenge it.

Antonio Habas' side has found their winning form once again, following their winter shopping, after seeing a mid-season slump. With Marcelinho and Lenny Rodriguez providing the much-needed balance in the midfield, the Mariners will be going for the kill this time.

An inconsistent JFC side, on the other hand, can throw a surprise given the talents they have on paper. A quick look at how both the teams have fared in the last five matches reflect that.

While ATKMB are the downright favourites to win the battle, JFC's top four chances - which are still very much alive - might give them some steel.

Mumbai City FC vs Bengaluru FC

After being held to a 3-3 draw against FC Goa, Sergio Lobera's men will look to get back to winning ways against Bengaluru FC. A further drop in points might see ATKMB overtaking FC Goa at the top of the table.

With Bengaluru FC coming to the match at the back of a 2-0 defeat in the hands of ATKMB, Sunil Chhetri and Co. will look to return with vengeance against Mumbai as well.

However, Mumbai have always turned up as the better side whenever they have faced Bengaluru, and the record is not expected to change this time as well.

Feature Image Courtesy: Website/ ISL