ISL 2017/18: The battle for qualification 

#4 Jamshedpur FC

Can Jamshedpur be the dark horses this season?

There is something with the sides managed by Steve Coppell that ensure a late surge towards the end of league stages in the ISL, and interestingly, there is always a related player that steps up when needed.

Last season, the Blasters under Coppell did the same with CK Vineeth rising when it mattered the most, but this season it has been the arrival of the Brazilian Wellington Priori. With the Men of Steel managed just 10 points in the first 9 matches, they have picked up 16 in the last 7 with them keeping pace for a top 4 finish.

With the momentum with them, they are playing their last two games at the furnace, against Bengaluru & FC Goa. With more than two sides capable of reaching 29 points mark (excluding BFC & FCPC), a single win in their last two games might not be enough, depending on other results and hence, Steve Coppell would look to ensure that they pick maximum points.

#5 Kerala Blasters FC

Will Kerala Blasters qualify for the knockouts for the third time in 4 seasons?

The David James-led side has given themselves hope for qualifying for the playoffs by managing 10 of a possible 12 points in their last four games. With FC Goa breathing down their neck on 20 points with two games in hand over them and Jamshedpur FC two points ahead of them, the onus will be on the Blasters to perform.

Their next match gives them perfect opportunity to do that. A win over Chennaiyin will not only bring them on 27 points, but it will close their gap with their southern rivals to just one point, & a slip up from the Chennaiyin in their final game might actually give the Blasters an opportunity to climb above them.