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Over the next 10 days, the 2013/14 edition of the I-League will end with new entrants Bengaluru FC looking to seal a sensational title triumph; while at the other end last seasons champions Churchill Brothers SC, promoted Mohammedan Sporting and Rangdajied United besides financially struggling United SC are fighting to stay in the league.
Fight for the Title
At the top Bengaluru FC have 41 points from 24 matches and one more win away to Dempo SC or Sporting Clube de Goa will give the JSW owned club a remarkable I-League title in their inaugural season. But winning away in Goa won’t be easy as the Ashley Westwood coached side very well know.
Second in the table are former I-League champions Salgaocar FC on 38 points, but they only have one match remaining against Churchill Brothers SC on the final match day and winning the title looks unlikely at the moment as they depend on the results of Bengaluru FC.
In third position are East Bengal Club on 37 points with two matches, away to Pune FC and United SC, remaining. The loss to Churchill Brothers on Wednesday evening somewhat ended the red-and-golds push for the title as Kolkata looks to have to wait another year for the I-League to come for the first-time to the City of Joy.
Monday, April 21 could be decision day then with a win away to Dempo SC and Bengaluru FC would seal their title triumph.
Relegation Battle
At the other end of the table, Mohammedan Sporting Club look to once more go down from the I-League after only one season as the Black Panthers only have one match remaining against Mumbai FC and they are currently bottom of the table with only 21 points.
Ahead of them are defending champions Churchill Brothers SC with 22 points and two matches against United SC and Salgaocar FC remaining. After a dismal start the Red Machines have been gathering points to likely avoid relegation and a win over United SC would ensure another year of I-League football for the Goan club.
At the other end, United SC have been struggling financially since the start of the season and on the pitch that has been affecting their performances now for weeks and months. A loss to Churchill Brothers and they might need the points against East Bengal on the last day of the season, if Mohammedan Sporting win their final game.
And if all these three teams are able to gain points in their final matches, then Rangdajied United FC might be the unlucky side to go down as they are on 24 points and only a Shillong derby against Lajong FC to play this weekend with no match to play on the final weekend of the I-League.
There is still excitement in the I-League with title and relegation to play for, but it could be decision time this weekend.
