With teams playing back-to-back games over the weekend a lot could change in the title race and the battle for third. The teams play on Saturday as well as Sunday so the depth of their squads will be tested.
Saturday
7:30 AM- Sen Q v Wishwakings
The opening match of GW 10 has Sen Q taking on Wishwakings. After a brief stint in the top three earlier in the season, Sen Q have had a dip in form and now find themselves lying in mid-table obscurity. Wishwakings are in a tight race to finish third in the table and any slip-ups could cost them with Phoenix right on their heels.
Wishwakings have been in great attacking form recently and will be hoping to continue in the same mould but Sen Q have been good defensively so we should start off the day with an interesting match up.
Crystal Ball: Sen Q (1) –(2) Wishwakings
8:45 AM- FC Kickers v Q Squad
The second game of the day has FC Kickers on taking on Q Squad. Kickers have come into good form recently and even held Dwarka to a goalless draw to open up the title race. Now they find themselves in a similar position once again with a chance to impact the title race when they come up against Q Squad.
Q Squad have only dropped points twice this season and know they can’t afford to drop any more points with only two gameweeks left. If Q Squad beat Kickers they regain the lead at the top and their destiny is in their own hands. This should be an extremely entertaining game given the amount of talent on display.
Crystal Ball: FC Kickers (2) – (3) Q Squad
10:00 AM- Storm Youth v Ultimate FC
Next up, we have Storm Youth taking on Ultimate FC. Both of these teams have struggled at the bottom of the table for most of the season but have come into form in recent weeks, which should make this game one to watch.
Storm Youth caused one of the upsets of the season, holding Storm FC to a draw, while Ultimate FC had the game of their season last week against Kickers, almost causing an upset. Ultimate haven’t won a game yet and will want to do so before the season ends so we are expecting them to come out the blocks roaring.
Crystal Ball: Storm Youth (2) – (2) Ultimate FC
Sunday
7:30 AM – Storm FC v Highflyers FC
Sunday’s matches kick off with Storm and Highflyers taking on each other. The best that Storm can manage is a top three finish. Highflyers have changed things tactically and have been playing a more attacking style of football. Storm will be rearing to improve their goal difference so will want to score as many as possible but if Highflyers adopt a compact defensive strategy, which they excel at, things will not go according to plan for Storm.
The score line of the game depends on the timing of the first goal (if there is any at all).
Crystal Ball: Storm FC (1) –(0) Highflyers FC
8:45 AM – Q Squad v Phoenix FC
The second game of the day has Q Squad taking on Phoenix FC. Both teams play attack-minded football, which means the goals should come in numbers. Q Squad are a point behind Dwarka in the league table but have two games over the weekend, which means if they win both of those games they will go into the final day as league leaders and a draw would suffice for them to lift the title.
Phoenix are in a heated battle for third with Wishwakings and have to win keep the pressure on their rivals but a point would, in truth, be a good result for them.
Crystal Ball: Q Squad (4) – (2) Phoenix FC
10:00 AM – Panthers FC v Delhi Student FC
The third game of the day has Panthers FC playing Delhi Student FC. Both teams have been listless for most of the season and will want to end the season on a high note by notching up a few wins and moving up the ladder.
Both teams have some really talented individuals but a general lack of direction in their gameplay has led to their downfall. With not much left to play for, the teams should try out new tactics and ideas as they prepare for the TAL Cup.
Crystal Ball: Panthers FC (3) – (3) Delhi Student FC
3:00 PM – FC Kickers v Sen Q
The afternoon session kicks off with FC Kickers taking on Sen Q. Kickers have found their groove and are heading up the table although it is too late for them to compete for any major honours.
Sen Q have tailed off after their impressive start but their win over Q Squad showed the tactical nous the veteran squad possess. Both teams are set in their style of play and although they are different in a lot of ways, comparisons can be made. Both teams will want to try out new philosophies as they prepare to launch a stronger assault on the title next season and the upcoming cup.
Crystal Ball: FC Kickers (3) – (2) Sen Q
4:15 PM – FC Dwarka v Ultimate FC
The penultimate game of the weekend has league leaders FC Dwarka taking on Ultimate FC. Although Dwarka are on top of the table, their direct rivals Q Squad have played one fewer game, which means winning their final two games is absolutely essential if they have any chance of winning the title in their inaugural season in TAL.
Ultimate FC have improved game on game and are on the brink of picking up their first win but asking them to do that against Dwarka might be too much. But as the saying goes in football, anything can happen on the pitch.
Crystal Ball: FC Dwarka (3) – (1) Ultimate FC
5:30 PM – Storm Youth v Wiswakings
The final game of the day has Storm Youth taking on Wishwakings. Storm Youth are still in the red zone but playing two games over the weekend means they could potentially move towards midtable safety.
Having said that, they do come up against an in-form side in Wishwakings who are looking to seal third place. Wishwakings will go in as favourites but it’s not out of Storm Youth’s reach to cause an upset. We expect an open game with lots of goals to be scored as we round off Gameweek 10.
Crystal Ball: Storm Youth (3) –(4) Wishwakings
