The Indian Super League (ISL) has announced their full list of fixtures, with the 110th and last match of the league stage scheduled to be played on the 28th of February. There are a lot of things that could change from now to then, especially with the January transfer window showing signs of frenetic activity. But all things considered, here are five matches we think are pretty much unmissable at this stage:
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FC Goa vs. Jamshedpur FC
When: Thursday, January 14
What to expect: Goa are defending their league shield this season, and as their number of late winners will attest to, they don't intend to give that crown away anytime soon. Jamshedpur are being propelled up the table by an Owen-Coyle-sized-fire, and are looking an ultra-dangerous outfit.
Their last game was decided by some lax refereeing (sorry, Alex Lima) and the killer instincts of Igor Angulo - and Jamshedpur will want revenge. Currently third and fourth in the table, this match will go a long way in showing who can keep with the front two, as the race to first heats up in the second half of the season.
Bengaluru FC vs. Chennaiyin FC
When: Friday, February 5
What to expect: As a standalone fixture, this is arguably the ISL's most entertaining fixture. There is always drama, goals, missed chances, and a lot - A LOT - of fouls. A Sunil Chhetri penalty decided things the first time they met this season but 1-0 does little justice to the end-to-end entertainment that was on display at the GMC Stadium.
By the time these two meet again next month, we will know if Bengaluru's chance-creation issues and Chennaiyin's major finishing problem are temporary blips or here to stay. If it's the former, it could be a cracking game that would have a major role in deciding the playoff spots. If it's the latter, it could be a cracking game that could decide the fate of the two managers.
You see the common element there, don't you?
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ATK Mohun Bagan vs. SC East Bengal
When: Friday, February 19
What to expect: If they were to play this match today, it would be top vs. bottom. If the form guide of either team is anything to go by, it will still be 1/2 vs. 10/11. SC East Bengal could pull off the impossible -- sign a few players, display greater tactical awareness on the bench, spark a revolution and become a factor in the playoff race -- but this match has always been about more than just position on the table.
Considering said revolution is looking highly improbable, what is the one thing more horribly unthinkable for East Bengal fans than finishing at the bottom-of-the-table? Well, finishing at the bottom of the table and losing both derbies in the season. That alone should make this an intriguing battle - one fought for pride, if not for position.
Oh, and wouldn't it help EB fans sleep better if ATK Mohun Bagan were to lose first spot by around three points -- if they'd be the ones responsible for it?
NorthEast United FC vs. Kerala Blasters FC
When: Friday, February 26
What to expect: This is way out there in the future, but depending on how the next two months go, this could be a critical match. If NorthEast United can maintain their superlative form and continue to make it hard for teams to break them down, and if Kerala Blasters can pull off a run of sustained success, this could be a cracker. Both in terms of the contrast in styles of play and potential importance to the playoff spots.
Their last match (2-2, last-minute NEUFC equaliser) certainly was.
Either that, or it's going to be a terrible match between two teams woefully out of contention. Nothing in the middle.
Mumbai City FC vs. ATK Mohun Bagan
When: Sunday, February 28
What to expect: They were touted to be 1-2 at the start of the season, and after little more than a month, that's exactly where they are. Mumbai City are playing pretty, goals-heavy football -- the Sergio Lobera way. ATK Mohun Bagan are... winning -- the Antonio Habas way.
They meet on the last day of the season, and if things remain as they are -- and considering the form they are in, there is no reason to suggest otherwise -- this could well be the decider. With a league shield and a spot in the Asian Champions League on the line, this has all the ingredients to make it the match of the season.
Just how we want a league to end.