Following the last international break of the 2023/24 season, the Indian Super League or ISL resumes action with the final three rounds of games left in the league phase. However, four teams will have a game more than the rest which they will want to use to their advantage. This campaign of the ISL is proving to be the most competitive ever with only guesses and no definitive conclusion could be drawn for each club’s standings on the table. The only exception is Hyderabad FC, who are destined to finish bottom even if they win the remaining games of the season.
Shield holders Mumbai City are leading the table at the moment but only just. ISL trophy holders Mohun Bagan Super Giant are sniffing on their shoulders just two points behind and with a game in hand. The same could be said about Odisha FC while FC Goa has regained form at the right moment to be in close contention for the top spot. The race for the sixth spot to make it to the playoffs is also dramatic with six teams involved and the point difference being at most three. As a case, there will be some exciting ties in store in April 2024 which will be the last month of the present season.
Here are the four important ISL games in the league phase to watch in April 2024:
East Bengal vs Bengaluru FC (Sunday, 7 April 2024)
East Bengal will have to win their remaining games to stay in contention for the top six while Bengaluru FC are only trailing sixth-place Punjab FC on head-to-head and goal difference. Hence, a direct battle for the playoffs between them will be an exciting watch. The Red and Gold will want to get revenge for their defeat in the reverse fixture in front of the home support and overtake the rest of the lot to sixth spot. The Blues wish to be a thorn in their way to take at least a two-point lead in the race. Bengaluru FC lost in their previous trip to Salt Lake but they will want to have a lasting memory in this one.
Mumbai City vs Odisha FC (Monday, 8 April 2024)
The first-against-fourth battle will see Shield holders and present leaders Mumbai City welcoming Odisha FC for a pivotal clash at the top. The Juggernauts were once in the ascendency but a first league defeat of the year and only two wins from the last five matches, juggling their AFC Cup duties, have taken away some steam from them. However, they remain firmly in the race with a game in hand and will want to reduce the gap to two points. Meanwhile, the Islanders' rise has been steady under Petr Kratky with a seventh home win of the season giving them a four-point cushion.
Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Thursday, 11 April 2024)
Bengaluru FC will want to win all of their matches before heading to the final league game of the season, a home clash with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, to boost their chances of playoff qualification. The clash will be a repeat of last season’s ISL final. Gerard Zaragoza’s side will face the most in-form side in the league since the turn of the year managed by a certain Antonio Habas who knows a two about winning silverware. The Mariners are unbeaten in eight league matches with six being victories and are looking to add the ISL Shield to their name now. Aside from staying in the race for the top spot, Mohun Bagan will also want full points to be in the best position ahead of the potentially title-deciding game against Mumbai City on the season’s final matchday.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mumbai City (Sunday, 15 April 2024)
The epic encounter, which is turning out to be the season decider, will be played on 14th April 2024 at the Salt Lake Stadium. Having not defeated Mumbai City in the ISL ever and failed on every occasion of a title charge between the two, Mohun Bagan and their manager Habas have the golden chance to sort redemption to finally sweep a victory and crown themselves Shield winners if it is not decided by then. The Islanders are more accustomed to these situations and could retain their title which will be a first by any side in ISL history. However, there is little to separate both the teams and none will be called favorites ahead of the tie.
