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The I-League title race is one of the most intriguing things happening in Indian football right now. Chennai City FC are the runaway leaders, with 30 points from 13 matches. Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir are on the second and third spot respectively, with 25 points from 13 matches each. However, Chennai City FC have a match against both of them away from home and can come out second-best in both the cases.
East Bengal can also be counted in the chasing pack as they have 22 points from 12 matches. A victory over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby will put them back in the title hunt.
In the business end of the tournament, a club is expected not to drop points against teams who are out of contention and go all out against those who are in. Mark your calendars because these five matches will decide who will win the I-League 2018-19.
#5 Real Kashmir FC vs. Chennai City FC
Date: 28 January 2019, Monday
Time: 02:00 p.m.
Venue: TRC Ground, Srinagar
Where to Watch: Star Sports 3
One of the various reasons for Chennai City FC's inspiring top of the table run in the I-League is their ability to not lose matches. They have edged out their opponents by a slender one-goal margin seven times and rallied from behind to hold their opponents twice.
However, they could do neither of that against Real Kashmir FC in their previous meeting and succumbed to their first I-League defeat. Chennai City FC had a staggering 78% possession but Dharmaraj Ravanan and Loveday Enyinnaya's imposing figure in the back denied them a goal. Although the penalty awarded to the Real Kashmir FC was a controversial one, the fact that the closely contested encounter could have swung either way cannot be denied.
Monday, 02:00 p.m., might not be an ideal time for a football match from a fan's perspective. However, you shouldn't miss this one if you can find your way through.
#4 Churchill Brothers FCG vs. Real Kashmir
Date: 31 January 2019, Thursday
Time: 05:00 p.m.
Venue: Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama
Where to Watch: Hotstar
If Real Kashmir wins their match against Chennai City FC and Churchill Brothers get the better of a young Indian Arrows side, the winner of this match should be the new league leader.
One ought to note that it was Churchill Brothers against whom Real Kashmir played their first home match in Srinagar. The 10,000 odd fans were brimming with excitement but had to go home disappointed with neither of the sides able to find the back of the net despite the visitors being reduced to ten men at the stroke of halftime.
Both the teams showcased a very poor brand of football as they hadn't settled down. However, this time, they would put their best foot forward and settle for nothing less than three points. A draw will help neither of the teams and, Chennai City FC will have a broad smile from distance.
#3 Real Kashmir FC vs Quess East Bengal FC
Date: 10 February 2019, Sunday
Time: 02:00 p.m.
Venue: TRC Ground, Srinagar
Where to Watch: Star Sports 3
Like the previous name, Real Kashmir's previous encounter against East Bengal too ended in a draw albeit with a different scoreline. The Red and Golds would have faced Mohun Bagan and NEROCA previously and, if they drop points in either of those matches their title aspirations would be all but over.
The same case holds true for the Srinagar-based side too, who would have already faced Gokulam FC in their home ground. One ought to note that Real Kashmir FC has a better away record than a home one, losing twice in six matches.
East Bengal can capitalize on this stat as they have won only against Aizawl FC, Indian Arrows, and Shillong Lajong in their home, who are on the opposite end of the table. The fans should have no problem in watching the match as it is scheduled on a Sunday afternoon.
#2 Quess East Bengal FC vs. Churchill Brothers FCG
Date: 17 February 2019, Sunday
Time: 05:00 p.m.
Venue: Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata
Where to Watch: Star Sports 3
Both Churchill Brothers and East Bengal could be either out of the title race or very well be the only ones remaining in contention when they clash on 17th February. Nevertheless, the fans should be enthralled with another entertaining Sunday evening clash.
East Bengal will only have two matches in their hand after this, against defending champions Minerva Punjab and Mizoram-based Aizawl FC. Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, would only have a match against Chennai City FC in their pocket.
When these two sides met earlier, East Bengal came out on top with a 2-1 margin in Goa. As the next match would be held on their own backyard, the chances of victory would be tilted heavily towards the Red and Golds.
#1 Churchill Brothers FCG vs. Chennai City FC
Date: 01 March 2019, Friday
Time: 05:00 p.m.
Venue: Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama
Where to Watch: Star Sports 3
Churchill Brothers vs. Chennai City FC on 1 March 2019 should be the winner takes all match if both the sides' title aspirations remain alive. Moreover, this match can be shifted two days later and clubbed with East Bengal vs. Minerva encounter to ensure the Kolkata-based club doesn't have an unfair advantage.
Real Kashmir FC should complete their quota of 22 matches on 24 February but will keep an eye on both the matches as they could still lift the trophy. If it's a Friday afternoon, keep your sick leave excuse ready from office, school, or college. If it's a Sunday, cancel all your plans because the I-League is set for another photo finish.
