ISL 2019-20: 5 Fixtures that could define the top four race 

#2 Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters (23rd February 2020)

Can Manuel Onwu (C) provide the requisite goals for Odisha FC?

Odisha FC endured a tumultuous start to their season. For the opening couple of games, the side found myriad ways to dig its own grave and while they arrested that slide against Mumbai City FC in October 2019, they still stuttered and stumbled until they stitched together a decent run through the middle phases.

Subsequently, they now find themselves in a position wherein the top four isn’t out of their grasp, although they have several peaks to scale before being able to achieve that particular conquest.

Unfortunately, though, the Juggernauts have had to navigate tougher fixtures as compared to their rivals, with that sequence ending against ATK on the 8th of February 2020.

Post that, Odisha clash swords with NorthEast United FC on Valentine’s Day before a probable fairy tale love story ending at the Kalinga Stadium against the Kerala Blasters.

And, though the aforementioned matches look extremely winnable on paper, one reckons that the Juggernauts’ final game could morph into a much more ticklish proposition.

For all their inconsistencies in 2019-20, the Blasters still seem an outfit that possess one great performance in them before the season culminates. In fact, their Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personalities could ultimately prove to be Odisha’s undoing.

Footballing logic suggests that the Juggernauts shouldn’t have too many problems dispatching Eelco Schattorie’s charges. Yet, the ISL doesn’t pay much heed to such notions.

And, though it might sound extremely far-fetched, Odisha might just be most nervous when locking horns with Kerala on the 23rd of February.