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India's premier football league, the I-League, has reached a crucial juncture and the title race along with the relegation battle has become extremely pulsating. With six clubs still in the competition to win the league and two clubs fighting the relegation battle, the I-League is set for a roller-coaster ride in the coming days.
Let's have a look how the title race and the relegation battle in the ongoing I-League has been shaping up.
Title race
1) Minerva Punjab
Minerva Punjab, who finished ninth in the I-League 2016-17, has taken up the Indian football fraternity by storm, courtesy of an amazing performance so far. They have already bagged 22 points from nine games with just a single defeat. Chencho Gyeltshen and William Opoku's lethal duo have terrified every team who have played them so far. En route to a similar fairy tale campaign like Aizawl FC, Minerva Punjab are the top contenders to be crowned as the 'Champions of India' this season.
2) NEROCA FC
Promoted from the 2nd Division I-League, NEROC FC have put in an impressive shift in the season so far. Their well-balanced side is one of the biggest reasons for their amazing run so far. They have clinched 21 points from 10 games and are constantly building pressure on Minerva Punjab.
NEROCA have come off as the better side in both the matches against their northeastern counterparts with slender wins over Shillong Lajong and Aizawl FC. Provided some results go their way, NEROCA FC can well challenge for the title in the later stage of the league.
3) East Bengal
East Bengal got off to a slow start before taking off later in the league and then, eventually, losing their way yet again. With several draws and two Derby losses, East Bengal find themselves in a spot of bother. With Md. Al-Amna injured and Willis Plaza released, they will now need a miracle to end their league drought.
4) Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan got off to a good start but lost their way in the middle with two huge losses to Minerva Punjab and Chennai City at home. Shankarlal Chakrabarty took over in the later stages in the first round of the league from Sanjoy Sen and it has resulted in instant success for the Mariners. With wins over Aizawl FC and East Bengal in the Derby, the Green and Maroons are back into the league and have an outside chance at the trophy. Nnew signings like Cameron Watson and Akhram Moghrabi has added some much-needed stability to the Mariners.
5) Shillong Lajong
Shillong Lajong got off to a good start with wins over Churchill Brothers and Kerala FC at home but lost their way after a heavy defeat to East Bengal in Kolkata. Lajong steadily moved up the table but they have not done enough to stay on the list of league contenders.
6) Aizawl FC
The defending champions, like their northeastern counterparts, have had a steady journey so far, and are well in the contention of winning the league. Certain results can turn the tide in favour of Aizawl FC in the later stages of the league. The Reds have managed 14 points from 9 matches.
All said and done, it is, however, Minerva's legue to lose.
Relegation battle
1) Churchill Brothers
After a horrific start to the league, the Red Machines have bounced back in the league with some scintillating performances. The addition of Mechac Koffi has added a fresh flair to the striking force of the Red Machines off late. They have, until now, amassed a total of 10 points from nine games after getting none from their initial five. A great turn around for sure!
2) Chennai City FC
Chennai City's biggest highlight of the season has been their win over Mohun Bagan. They have managed nine points from 11 games so far. Murilo and Pandyan's presence in the squad has made the side one of the dark horses of the season. Chennai City need to garner as many points as they can to survive the battle against relegation.
3) Indian Arrows
Indian Arrows being a developmental side, is not eligible for relegation.
4) Gokulam Kerala
Gokulam Kerala being corporate entrants in this season, is not eligible for relegation either.
