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The Indian Super League is set to return with certain promises, mouth-watering fixtures, stunning goals and a host of dramatic incidents and turnarounds. With six matchdays to go, the football landscape at India couldn't have asked for a better platform for entertainment and awe-inspiring football, given how the ladder looks.
While most of the teams have charted out plans, team structures and other aspects that should aid their quest for the top four, some have stumbled and tumbled on their way and unfortunately, find themselves rooted to the basement.
While some teams have worked wonders, others have struggled to find their combinations. Some sides have implemented their plans, whereas a few others have had theirs completely exposed and exploited.
Therefore, it is quintessential to take out the microscope and analyze each outfit's progress thus far, before pressing the resume button.
On that note, let's take a look at how each club has fared so far.
Chennaiyin FC
Let's begin with the champions. The curse as they say, has encircled itself all over the title holders, who presently find themselves rock bottom of the league. With just one win and five points in their 12 matches, the Chennai-based team will play the rest of the season only to salvage their pride and try to upset oppositions.
Their tactics have become quite predictable, as most teams have packed their ranks in midfield and outplayed Chennaiyin. For a side with such caliber, to have scored just 13 goals isn't an output of natural forces.
Defensively as well, they have seen their high lines being broken down time and time again. Neither have they dealt with crosses nor have they kept away from silly errors.
Delhi Dynamos
Sometimes, when it just isn't your day, things don't work your way. That sums up Delhi Dynamos' ISL season. Down at 9th position with absolutely no hopes of making it into the top 4, the Dynamos only have their possession-based football to boast about.
More often than not, we have seen them dominate large exchanges of a game, but the lack of a final pass or the killer's instinct, as they say, has led them down. As a result, they have mustered just a solitary victory from their 12 fixtures.
Despite having created ample chances from open play, Delhi have failed to find the back of the net and more so, hit the target. Poor organization, reckless defending and inability to sustain counter attacks has led to their nemesis and from here, there's no way back at all.
Kerala Blasters
No club has sustained more problems than Kerala Blasters this season. Known for their fearless attacking approach, ability to hurt teams on the break and their fan base, the Yellow Army has failed to live up to expectations.
From their fans' frustration to the sacking of the beloved David James, from their defensive disorganization to reports that suggest key first team stars could be on the move, nothing has gone Kerala's way.
A cloud of uncertainty over various issues hovers over their heads, as a 6-1 beating at the hands of Mumbai just before the break made you think, "What now for the Kerala Blasters?"
They have been poor in all departments and from here, it's just the question of pride.
FC Pune City
Firstly, to be where they are despite having undergone a major transition, FC Pune City deserve a bow. With just three wins and a couple of draws from 12 games, they are on 7th place in the table.
However, this is not it. After just three games in charge of the Stallions, former Real Madrid Technical Director Miguel Angel Portugal was shown the door, leaving behind a sense of disharmony and big loopholes.
In came Pradhyum Reddy, who steadied the ship to a narrow extent, and he too, was relieved of his duties. Former Bolton Wanderers star Phil Brown has taken over the hot seat and has done a reasonably good job.
Owing to their stubborn nature at the back and a few goals, Pune have fought their way back with two wins on the bounce. Although their chances to reach the top 4 seem slimmer than ever, a few wins here and there will boost their morale and end the season on a high.
ATK
Now, let's start with teams who have a more realistic chance of claiming one of the top four spots. ATK have played the tournament in fits and starts, and have only sporadically portrayed their true potential.
The ISL giants have four wins, four draws and four losses from their 12 games, which is a testament to the previous statement. The Kolkata-based side hasn't yet found that spring in its step yet and for Manuel Lanzarote and co. to progress to the next stage, at least four wins are needed.
While the back line has on an overall note, ticked the boxes thus far, the likes of Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche will have to stop blowing hot and cold and rack up a few impressive performances.
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC have done well in the ISL so far, since they were founded last season. However, the team from Jharkhand has found all possible ways to draw matches and as a result, is on the 5th place.
The Men of Steel will be wary of the fact that they should have had more points in their kitty. Either they have salvaged points, or they have squandered the chance of taking home three of them.
Despite having lost one game, Jamshedpur FC find themselves outside the semi-final spots. However, they should be positive heading into the business end of the tournament. Not only have they struck some beautiful goals over the course of the season, but are also one of the most well-drilled teams in the land.
Signs look positive for the future as far as Jamshedpur are concerned, but they will be vying for a place in the top 4.
NorthEast United
The rise of NorthEast United has been one of the success stories of this season's ISL. With a relatively smaller squad, the Highlanders have exceeded expectations and upstaged many top dogs of the league.
They are on 4th place with 20 points from 12 matches. They have looked rather solid at the back, except for a few technical errors. They were humiliated last time out by FC Goa, but we can expect them to reassemble and fight their way back.
Stiff competition from top three, Jamshedpur and ATK will test their mentality, but with a relatively easier fixture list comprising of encounters against Kerala and Pune, it shouldn't be a herculean task if Eelco Schattorie and co. stick to their basics.
FC Goa
FC Goa are arguably the strongest side on paper. With 20 points from 11 games, they are only behind Mumbai and Bengaluru in the table. Courtesy of their star striker Ferran Corominas and playmakers Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous, they have scored goals for fun this time.
Sergio Lobera's fearless approach seems to have benefited most of his players, who like to dart forward and have a piece of it. Irrespective of the situation or the size and stature of the opposition, the Gaurs have believed in their philosophy throughout.
And thus, it comes as no surprise to see them lead the goal-scoring charts with 27 goals in just 11 outings, at least six more than Jamshedpur, who have found the back of the net 21 times.
After a blistering start to the season, they did endure a set of mixed results, namely the 4-1 loss to Jamshedpur and the 2-0 defeat at Pune, but also entertained everyone in their 5-1 rout of NorthEast.
Better defending and a touch of consistency is sure to cement their berth for the knockout stages.
Mumbai City FC
If the table is to be examined through form, Jorge Costa's Mumbai City FC are right up there. In just their fourth league game this term, they were taken to the cleaners by a free-flowing FC Goa side, who beat them by 5-0.
Who knew that 5-0 mauling would prove to be a boon? Costa emphasized on defensive structure, got his men to work their socks off while chasing the ball and improved set-piece duties and action.
Post that game, Mumbai have been unbeaten in eight games, which includes a stunning six wins. Just before the break, they thrashed a disintegrated Kerala unit, pinning them down 6-1.
Should the Ranbir Kapoor-owned side turn their resurgence into dominance, you never know what might happen in this funny game.
Bengaluru FC
The Blues picked up from where they left last season - on top of the table. Right from the word go, their intensity was more, their pace was more, their intent was more and what not!
Carles Cuadrat's side are the first names on anyone's top 4 prediction list, owing to their consistency, never-say-die attitude and of course, the quality in their ranks. Yes, they have the best forwards and goalkeeper in the land, but you still have to go out there and do it in such a competitive league.
With eight wins and three draws, Bengaluru have quite predominantly set the pace once again. An injury setback to Miku coupled with a shallow squad did threaten their chances, but Sunil Chhetri and co. continued to grind results out.
More importantly, they make opponents work for their goals, as BFC have only shipped eight so far. A good defence is what wins titles, doesn't it?
