Playoffs, League Shield scenarios as Indian football's top league enters business end

The Indian Super League (ISL) is closing in on the final stages of the league campaign and battles for the League Shield and playoff spots are tightening with every game.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The top six teams make it to the playoffs with the top two teams securing a direct place in the semi-finals. The remaining four teams battle it out for a place in the semifinals via a playoff round where teams finishing in third and fourth spot enjoy home advantage in a one-off tie.

The team finishing top of the table wins the League Shield and also qualifies for the AFC Champions League group stage.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant need three more points to win the League Shield without having to depend on any other result. However, they can also win the League Shield even if they lose their next two matches and avoid defeat against FC Goa (FCG) in their final game. They can also win the League Shield if FC Goa lose to Kerala Blasters FC. Even if the Gaurs (FCG) beat the Blasters, the Mariners (MBSG) can seal the League Shield with a win over Odisha FC (OFC).

The Mariners have secured a top-two finish and secured a direct place in the semi-finals. Goa need to win all their remaining games, which includes an away match against Mohun Bagan SG and hope that the Mariners fail to win both their remaining two matches.

Goa need eight points from their remaining four matches to seal direct semi-final qualification. They can secure a top-two finish with fewer points if Jamshedpur FC drop more points in their remaining matches.

Manolo Marquez's men have qualified for the playoffs.