This I-League is following the pattern of last year. From a comfortable position Mohun Bagan lost to SCG & Bharat FC to put BFC in the comfort zone. Then BFC drew with Wahingdoh & Dempo to ensure that the Championship remained open till the last tie. Now after today's reverse, Mohun Bagan are at par with BFC & 2 points ahead of EB (considering points lost). Not only the 3 matches amongst Mohun Bagan, BFC & EB become very very important but also the matches involving other teams with the big 3 will be key factor also. I have a feeling that this year also we will have Championship decided on the last day. Last set of matches on 23rd or 24th April ? If it is 24th.....I don't think State Govt. will provide Police for Mohun Bagan - BFC match as there is election on 25th.
Next Saturday picture will be clearer. Derby followed by BFC-MFC match........ One Winner will put the other 2 in danger zone, Two Winners will almost eliminate the 3rd. Two draws will keep the confusion going.
This loss opens the doors a wee bit to BFC and EB. However, I agree with @deepakc that East Bengal has too many internal issues and does not have the wherewithal to win the League. BFC is a different matter and will, like last year, give Bagan a run for its money. However, kudos to Jahar Das for the way he has marshalled his troops and changed the fortunes of his team ever since he took charge.
A look at the title run-in , and it looks like Mohun Bagan will win with a game to spare:
Mohun Bagan 25 + 7 ( 32 going into the last game)
East Bengal (A) : derby game , so at worst a draw 1point
Shillong Lajong (A) despite Lajong desperate for a win to survive, having only scored 5 goals all season , and MMB having no trouble scoring , this should be a routine win for Sanjoy Sen's men : 3 points
DSK (H) : once again a routine win 3 points
BFC (H)
BFC: 22 + 8 points ( 30 going into the last game )
Mumbai FC (H) : having never beaten them & with Jamil needing points, expect a bore draw 1point
DSK (A) : a resurgent DSK might prove another banana skin for BFC , but they could sneak 3 points
KEB (H) : although they have beaten them in last 2 encounters, unless BB has been sacked by then , this could be a hard fought draw which will kill both teams chances: 1point
Salgaocar (H) : if Duffy hasn't recovered, this should be a routine win for BFC 3points
Mohun Bagan (A)
East Bengal : 20 + 6 ( 26 points going into the last game )
Mohun Bagan (H) derby game , so at best a draw 1point
Mumbai FC (H) having always struggled in recent times & with Jamil needing points, expect a draw 1point
BFC (A) the yellow cards from the last 2 games could be a factor, and a draw is most likely 1point
SCdeGoa (H) Should be a win , unless Odafa shows up 3 points
SLFC (A) probably a win for Lajong who will need it 0 points
@gaffertape Like your analysis. But I still believe that next Saturday's matches will decide this year's I-League. Each of the remaining 20 matches will be cut-throat affair for Championship & Relegation. Apart from the 3 matches amongst top 3...Mumbai FC's matches v BFC & EB will be very important. They could play the king maker role.
BFC vs MB seems to be key affair again. A draw or win for MB will make them champion. But if BFC, wins they will be the champion. And nice to see that MB vs BFC is last round. A direct final on the cards again.
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Now after today's reverse, Mohun Bagan are at par with BFC & 2 points ahead of EB (considering points lost).
Not only the 3 matches amongst Mohun Bagan, BFC & EB become very very important but also the matches involving other teams with the big 3 will be key factor also.
I have a feeling that this year also we will have Championship decided on the last day.
Last set of matches on 23rd or 24th April ? If it is 24th.....I don't think State Govt. will provide Police for Mohun Bagan - BFC match as there is election on 25th.
Derby followed by BFC-MFC match........ One Winner will put the other 2 in danger zone, Two Winners will almost eliminate the 3rd.
Two draws will keep the confusion going.
Mohun Bagan 25 + 7 ( 32 going into the last game)
- East Bengal (A) : derby game , so at worst a draw 1point
- Shillong Lajong (A) despite Lajong desperate for a win to survive, having only scored 5 goals all season , and MMB having no trouble scoring , this should be a routine win for Sanjoy Sen's men : 3 points
- DSK (H) : once again a routine win 3 points
- BFC (H)
BFC: 22 + 8 points ( 30 going into the last game )- Mumbai FC (H) : having never beaten them & with Jamil needing points, expect a bore draw 1point
- DSK (A) : a resurgent DSK might prove another banana skin for BFC , but they could sneak 3 points
- KEB (H) : although they have beaten them in last 2 encounters, unless BB has been sacked by then , this could be a hard fought draw which will kill both teams chances: 1point
- Salgaocar (H) : if Duffy hasn't recovered, this should be a routine win for BFC 3points
- Mohun Bagan (A)
East Bengal : 20 + 6 ( 26 points going into the last game )But I still believe that next Saturday's matches will decide this year's I-League. Each of the remaining 20 matches will be cut-throat affair for Championship & Relegation. Apart from the 3 matches amongst top 3...Mumbai FC's matches v BFC & EB will be very important. They could play the king maker role.