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Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC (14th February 2020)
After a patchy start to the season, Odisha FC found themselves within touching distance of qualification courtesy a stellar run through the middle phases of the competition.
However, a sequence of three straight defeats against Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and ATK has again cast them in troubled waters, as far as their top four hopes are concerned.
Currently, the Juggernauts are placed 6th, 4 points off fourth place, having played the same number of games. Thus, Josep Gombau’s troops need other results to go their way if they harbour hopes of making the semi-finals in their debut season.
Yet, for that to materialise, they’ll also have to win their remaining fixtures, which isn’t particularly easy considering they also have to arrest a three-game losing streak.
However, with NorthEast United looking woefully out of sorts themselves, the Juggernauts could just have enough firepower to see them off and keep themselves in the hunt for the play-offs.
Score Prediction: Odisha FC 2-0 NorthEast United FC
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC (15th February 2020)
Kerala Blasters have given a highly inconsistent account of themselves throughout the campaign and while they always represent a side capable of springing a surprise, one reckons it might not come to fruition against Bengaluru FC.
The defending champions, despite not firing on all cylinders, are still comfortably placed in 3rd and are expected to advance. While their attack has alarmingly failed to create as many clear-cut chances as yesteryear, their rear-guard has been colossal, meaning that they’ve kept 10 clean sheets in 16 matches.
Fortunately for the Blues though, they’ve mastered the art of scoring from set-pieces and that could prove crucial against a side that is susceptible to conceding goals of a similar ilk.
Moreover, the Blasters’ attack has often flattered to deceive, thereby propelling Bengaluru FC as firm favourites for the encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on the 15th of February.
Score Prediction: Kerala Blasters 0-1 Bengaluru FC
ATK vs Chennaiyin FC (16th February 2020)
ATK have been largely spotless at the Salt Lake Stadium, despite them being surprisingly trumped by the Kerala Blasters on the 12th of January 2020. Apart from that game, the Kolkata-based outfit has seemed imperious, scoring 17 goals and conceding only 5 at home.
Thus, Chennaiyin have a gargantuan task on their hands trying to return from Kolkata with three points tucked in their kitty. Moreover, the Marina Machans’ propensity to leave themselves open to the counter attack could play into ATK’s hands, considering that particular avenue represents Antonio Habas’ side’s most potent attacking weapon.
However, with so much at stake, one can expect Chennaiyin to make ATK work hard for the victory, although the former might ultimately, just come a cropper.
Score Prediction: ATK 2-1 Chennaiyin FC
