I- League: the indian football's professional package. Starting in 2007-08, its expected to change the indian football radically. And to be frank, its first edition is becoming quite exciting as four of the teams are fighting our for top honour.
Dempo SC is a real contended for the crown. This team is playing superb football from the very first day of the league and way ahead of the others as only two rounds of game to be played. Dempo is leading the table with 32 points from 16 matches. But the real concern for them is their poor show out of the home. They lost most of their points in away matches and that can be an inspiring fact. To make things worse for Dempo, they are missing the servcie of their head coach through an accident. But still Dempo is the most favourite of the teams- not only because they have a 4 points lead but also they got easier matches in the last two rounds. They got to play Salgaocar SC and Viva Kerala, teams are in the relegation zone.
Dempo is followed by Churchill Brothers SC, Mahun Bagan AC and JCT in the point table. Churchill Brothers SC is in a good position to capitalize if Dempo fumbles in next couple of matches. Though Churchill Brothers SC has an away game with rejuvenated East Bengal, other two games are with relatively weaker opponent.
Four points gap to be made up and two games in hand: Mohun Bagan never thought they would be in such a position in the table after a disastering start to their campaign. But they bounced back really well and Bhaichung-Barreto are really doing the trick for them. But things are looking tougher for them as they have two tough and crucial matches in last stage. They have to win these couple and also have to expect Dempo losing some points. Virtually its impossible as they got to play with Mahindra United and JCT as their away matches. Mohun Bagan supporters are keeping their finger crossed and hoping for the miracle.
The last in my list is JCT; it seems even if second title is elusive for them, they are going to play a crucial role in deciding who would be the champion. They got three home matches left and six points gap to cover up. How can JCT affect the out come of the first ever I-League, we all will be waiting to see that.
Round 17:
JCT vs Mohun Bagan
Air India vs Mahindra United
Sporting Clube de Goa vs Churchill Brothers SC
Viva Kerala vs East Bengal
Salgaocar SC vs Dempo SC
Round 18:
Viva Kerala vs Dempo SC
East Bengal vs Sporting Clube de Goa
JCT vs Salgaocar SC
Mahindra United vs Mohun Bagan
Churchill Brothers SC vs Air India
For more, please have a look at I-League Forum
