ISL 2023-24 Matchweek 5: The Hits, Misses, and ISL Fantasy Strategy Hat

by FC Admin October 31, 2023

The fifth matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 rounded off with Chennaiyin FC’s return to form with a 5-1 victory over Punjab FC. Exciting results followed earlier as FC Goa consolidated their spot at the top of the table with 10 points in four matches after a goalless draw against Bengaluru FC.

The Gaurs are followed by Kerala Blasters in second place, who have the same points in five games. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (9), NorthEast United FC (8), Mumbai City FC (8), and Chennaiyin FC (6), occupy the rest of the spots in the top-six respectively. Here are some of the hits and misses from the week gone by in the Indian top-tier.

Bengaluru FC 0 – 0 FC Goa

Hit: Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandu guarded the backline well, making six crucial saves to keep the Gaurs at bay despite the visitors attempting 20 shots with seven of them directed on target.

Miss: With six strikes, Goa is third in the list of teams with most goals this season. However, their players like Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez, Jay Gupta, and Raynier Fernandes came within touching distance of breaking the deadlock, but lacked decisiveness upfront.

NorthEast United FC 2 – 1 Jamshedpur FC

Hit: The Highlanders sprung a surprise in the added time of second half with two goals to hand Jamshedpur FC a shock defeat in Guwahati.

After 90 minutes of subdued action, Michel Zabaco and Ibson Melo netted in the final five minutes to help NorthEast United FC clinch a crucial victory.

Miss: Jamshedpur FC were in total control of the proceedings for the major portion of the game. However, their defensive arrangement was put under immense pressure in the injury time and Scott Cooper will regret returning from the game with no points from this contest.

Kerala Blasters FC 2 – 1 Odisha FC

Hit: Ivan Vukomanovic marked a happy return to the touchline as his side, inspired by skipper Adrian Luna, came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over the visiting Odisha FC. With three goals and one assist, Luna has been central to the success of the Blasters in this campaign.

Miss: Disciplined defensive arrangement has been a hallmark of all Sergio Lobera-coached sides in the ISL.

However, this was the third consecutive instance when Odisha FC settled for a draw or succumbed to a loss from a winning position. This inability to hold on to their leads has cost them plenty and they sit on the eighth spot in the standings currently.

Mumbai City FC 1 – 1 Hyderabad FC

Hit: Hyderabad has struck the fewest goals (2) amongst all teams in the league so far, but Joe Knowles and his pursuit of an equaliser helped him create one in the 96th minute as his side secured a point from this hard-fought encounter.

Miss: Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa committed a foul on Knowles in the seventh minute; leading to his send-off and making the Islanders play with 10 men for the remaining 90-odd minutes.

Chennaiyin FC 5 – 1 Punjab FC

Hit: Rafael Crivellaro scored once and assisted twice whereas Connor Shields bagged a brace as Chennaiyin forwards produced a flawless performance to record a resounding result at home.

Miss: Punjab FC’s search for the first win of the season extends as this defeat will give head coach Staikos Vergetis more headaches going forward. They have been unable to get their campaign up and running positively, despite the best of their efforts, and need a quick turnaround to make the most of the rest of the games.

Matchweek 6 – Preview

The sixth matchweek of the ISL will see eight games, starting off with Odisha FC hosting Bengaluru FC on October 31. The Juggernauts will also welcome NorthEast United FC on November 3. Punjab FC will have an away fixture against Mumbai City FC on November 2, after which they will return home to take on Hyderabad FC on November 7.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will hope to extend their winning streak when they travel to square off against Jamshedpur FC on November 1, whereas Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC will engage in a faceoff at the Gachibowli Stadium on November 4. Kerala Blasters FC will host East Bengal FC to round off the Saturday double header the same day and that will be followed by Chennaiyin FC clashing against FC on November 5, Sunday.

ISL Fantasy – Roundup

Average Points: 27.77pts

Fantasy Top 5 point scorers MW5

• Rafael Crivellaro (CFC) – 14pts
• Connor Shields (CFC) – 10pts
• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (BFC) – 8pts
• Michel Zabaco (NEUFC) – 8pts
• Sachin Suresh (KBFC) – 8pts

Ones to watch for MW6

Diego Mauricio –  (OFC play twice – vs BFC & vs NEUFC)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu –  (BFC play twice – vs OFC & vs HFC)

Luka Majcen –  (PFC play twice – vs MCFC & vs HFC)

Joseph Knowles – (HFC play twice – vs BFC & PFC)

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences.  create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation®️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at:  https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/

Also Read: After undefeated dominance in Santosh Trophy, Maharashtra all set for 37th National Games

Also Read: ISL Matchweek 6 (OFC vs BFC): Odisha FC eyeing strong response in home fixture against Bengaluru FC

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