The league phase of the 2023/24 ISL season will draw its conclusion in April 2024 following the international break and the ending is bound to be thrilling. The present campaign is the most competitive ever, both in terms of the Shield race and the chase for the playoff places. Apart from Hyderabad FC, all the other clubs remain in contention at least for the ISL trophy. The stakes are rising with only a few matches left to be played for the campaign. There is a possibility of standings being decided on the last day of the regular league period.
Deciding the winner of the League Winner’s Shield is difficult at the moment as four teams are aiming for the top spot. Holders Mumbai City FC have taken the lead in the race but only just as unbeaten Mohun Bagan is sneaking behind with a game in hand. Odisha FC are in the mix with FC Goa also gaining ground after a dismal start to 2024 in the league. Kerala Blasters are mathematically eliminated from the race. Meanwhile, the top four sides of the table have qualified for the ISL playoffs.
Pos 1: Mumbai City FC (Pld - 19, GD - 20, Pts - 41)
Mumbai City was boosted by the three points awarded to them after Jamshedpur FC violated rules by fielding an extra foreigner on the pitch in the 1-1 draw, taking them to the top of the table. However, the Islanders do not have faith in their own hands to defend their title as Mohun Bagan will claim the Shield if they do not drop points in the remaining matches. Petr Kratky's side will battle the Mariners in the final league match but will have to face another contender Odisha FC before that in a tricky schedule. Mumbai City will have to win the remaining matches to keep hold of their Shield and hope Mohun Bagan does not collect more than 11 points. If they are level on points with the Mariners at the end, they will win the league due to a better head-to-head record and goal difference.
Pos 2: Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Pld - 18, GD - 16, Pts - 39)
Antonio Lopez Habas’ second stint at Mohun Bagan Super Giant has seen the side remain unbeaten in the league this year with six wins from eight games. Having a game in hand is also a huge advantage for them at the moment if they can maintain their momentum post-international break. The ISL trophy winners also have a comparatively easy schedule in front of them before the showdown with Mumbai City on the last day of the league season. The task for the Green and Maroon is clear to win all the remaining matches and they will be crowned the Winner’s Shield for the first time. No other side could manage their maximum expected tally of 51 points. If they drop points not more than once, they will need Mumbai City not to take more than seven points in remaining games.
Pos 3: FC Goa (Pld - 19, GD - 10, Pts - 36)
After a troublesome start to 2024 in the ISL, FC Goa managed to recover their form by staying unbeaten in their last four league games. However, the Gaurs seemed to have lost it all in the Shield race, depending upon others to fall off drastically. Winning their final three matches will take their points tally to 45. Goa will face the sides below them on the table with the last two games against opponents who are hunting for the playoff places. Manolo Marquez’s side could only secure the top spot if Mumbai does not secure more than three points and Mohun Bagan takes only five from the remaining matches which is a lot to ask for.
Pos 4: Odisha FC (Pld - 18, GD - 14, Pts - 35)
Odisha FC cruised at the top of the ISL table by maintaining a 13-game unbeaten run. However, a shock loss to Chennaiyin FC early this month means Sergio Lobera’s men don’t have destiny in their own hands anymore. The Juggernauts have played a game less than the rest but need a huge helping hand. The best Odisha FC could reach is 47 points. The worry will be their pending fixture against leaders Mumbai City whom they face in the penultimate league match. The Kalinga Warriors will have to beat the Islanders or else need them to drop two points in the remaining matches. They need to have an eye on Mohun Bagan as well with the Mariners requiring to drop six points to take them out of the race.
