The Indian Super League is entering its last few matchweeks of the 2020-21 season, and every passing week has seen significant upheavals in the ISL points table as the race for the playoffs heats up.
With some gigantic clashes lined up for the upcoming matchweek as well, we take a closer look at the numbers that will help you ace in the fantasy forum.
Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC
While this fixture is an absolute no-brainer in terms of form and the names on the paper, Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC gain resonance when their rivalry is dug up.
Two of the oldest teams in the league, Mumbai and Kerala have faced each other 13 times with six matches ending as draws. The Islanders, however, enjoy a 5-2 lead in head-to-head.
With Mumbai scoring 20 goals this season so far, and Kerala trailing them by just a goal at 19, scoring hasn't been an issue for either side. Interestingly, KBFC have scored seven of their total goals between the 76th and 90th minute this season so far, and Mumbai will be wary of getting outscored late in the match.
Nonetheless, KBFC vs MCFC promises to be goal-scoring fest given their recent form.
| KBFC | Metrics | MCFC |
| 6 | Goals | 4 |
| 4 | Goal Scoring Matches | 4 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
NorthEast United FC vs FC Goa
Yet another clash between two ISL teams who have been a part of the journey from the very start, NEUFC vs FCG is expected to be a cracker given the tenacity that both the sides have shown in the league so far.
With just a difference of four goals separating the two teams, both with 21 points, the match is expected to be an intense encounter. The Highlanders' new-found form under manager Khalid Jamil, however, make them the favourites.
While Goa have drawn their last three ISL fixtures with an identical scoreline of 1-1, NEUFC have managed to beat prime title contenders MCFC and ATK Mohun Bagan in the last two matches, apart from besting out Jamshedpur FC.
| NEUFC and FCG in last five matches |
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| NEUFC | Metrics | FCG |
| 3 | Wins | 1 |
| 1 | Draws | 4 |
| 1 | Losses | 0 |
The clash is likely to boil down to individual brilliance in the end.
Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC
Both Bengaluru and Chennaiyin are struggling in the mid-table to get off in the playoff race, but that shouldn't stop the previous tournament champions to put up a magnificent display of grit and passion on Friday.
It took BFC eight game to heal from the departure of manager Carles Cuadrat, as was evident from their ruthless 2-0 win on Tuesday against SC East Bengal. However, history is evident that Bengaluru have found it difficult to get going against Chennai.
The two teams have faced each other eight times with BFC winning four and CFC winning three times. Numbers also suggest that the match could be a game of contrasting halves.
| BFC vs CFC goal-scoring bifurcation |
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| Teams | First Half | Second Half | Total |
| BFC | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| CFC | 7 | 4 | 11 |
However, with Bengaluru FC getting a late momentum in the league to push for the top four one last time this season, the Blues will be the favourites.
Odisha FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
ATKMB cannot thank Odisha FC enough for the mid-season swap deal of Marcelinho as the Brazilian was the rescuer for the Kolkata giants in their thrilling 3-2 win over KBFC last matchweek.
Both ATKMB and OFC have separate ambitions this season. While ATKMB look to close the gap with MCFC at the top of the table to finish number one, bottom-dwelling Odisha will look to see off the season in the brightest way possible after their playoff chances have long vanished.
ATKMB had won the return fixture with a last-minute winner by Roy Krishna and OFC will look to avoid such a heartbreak this time. Both ATKMB and OFC have been high-scorers in the second-half with 16 and 13 goals tallied by them in the final 45 minutes respectively.
However, it is OFC's leaky defence that will be an issue for them.
| ATKMB vs OFC goals-conceded comparison |
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| Teams | First Half | Second Half | Total |
| OFC | 15 | 6 | 21 |
| ATKMB | 2 | 7 | 9 |
Jamshedpur FC vs SC East Bengal
If there have been two ISL teams this season who have personified inconsistency to the core, they will be Jamshedpur FC and SC East Bengal.
Though JFC are closer to their play-offs dream this season, thanks to a strong start to the season, debutants SCEB have struggled to find a smooth sail.
| JFC and SCEB in last five matches | ||
| JFC | Metrics | SCEB |
| 2 | Goals | 2 |
| 2 | Goal Scoring Matches | 2 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
However, a win would be of much more significance for the Red and Gold Bridge as they have been winless in their last five matches with three draws and two defeats. JFC, on the other hand, have managed a win in the very last match against Odisha.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @ISL
