ISL 2022-23 Matchweek 16: Mumbai City FC edge closer to making history, Bengaluru FC and FC Goa back in playoff chase
Hyderabad FC give one last bite to Mumbai City FC (Image: FSDL)
In matchweek 15, Mumbai City FC became the first Hero ISL team to confirm qualification for the playoffs this season.
This time around it was business as usual for the Islanders as they swept away NorthEast United FC with a 4-0 rout. The victory saw the Islanders extend their unbeaten streak to a record 15 games.
Only ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa have reached this milestone before, and this could be one of many new records Mumbai City FC could break in Week 17 – on their radar is the record 46 goals in the league from FC Goa, whose Islanders are only a goal behind now.
They will be desperate for another victory when they take on Jamshedpur FC next week as Hyderabad FC produced a typically professional display to beat East Bengal FC 2-0 and keep their four-point gap with the Islanders.
They now have two weeks to prepare for what could be the biggest game of the Shield race – Mumbai City FC away on February 4. Anything short of a win could allow Mumbai City FC to extend their lead at the top.
Bengaluru FC throw their name in the hat, Chennaiyin FC have another simulation week
Bengaluru FC beat Jamshedpur FC 3-0 and won three in a row for the first time this season to establish themselves as the leaders among the teams just outside the qualifying zone.
With Roy Krishna finding his goalscoring touch and a confident midfield showing great determination, the Blues look close to being at their best when it matters most.
Chennaiyin FC will be their next opponent – and those who will be disappointed to have to catch up.
For the third consecutive week, Chennaiyin FC drew, this time by ATK Mohun Bagan.
Since their famous 7-3 win over NorthEast United FC in December, Chennaiyin FC have failed to win a single one of their five games and the only bright spot for them heading into next week is the match they have in hand against Bengaluru FC. A win will do wonders for their confidence and keep them in the hunt for the playoffs.
The Gaurs end their four-game winless streak at a crucial stage, the Blasters rocked again (Image: FSDL)
After drawing and losing two of their last four Hero ISL games, FC Goa recorded a 3-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC in the final game of Week 16 to overtake Odisha FC in the playoffs in Classes.
In what was their 150th home game in the Hero ISL, FC Goa ended a frustrating run of results that drew a lot of pressure from teams like Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, who are just rear.
In third place, Kerala Blasters suffered their second substantial defeat in a row, coming off a break after their humiliation against Mumbai City FC in matchweek 14. They are now looking over their shoulders in as long as ATKMB, FC Goa, and Odisha FC could all aim for their place.
Matchweek 17 – The week before business ends
FC Goa kick off the ball against East Bengal FC on Thursday January 26 before Jamshedpur FC host Mumbai City FC, with the Islanders looking to set a new unbeaten streak record in the Hero ISL on Friday January 27.
The double-header on Saturday January 28 will feature a high-octane clash between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, with the winner gaining a huge advantage in the playoff race, followed by another thrilling encounter between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC. Week 17 will end in Kochi where Kerala Blasters take on NorthEast United FC.
