ISL 2021-22: Top five matches to watch out for in the second phase of Indian Super League: Football Sport and Development Limited (FSDL) have announced the second phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) fixtures and fans cannot wait to see their favourite teams in action. This season’s unique selling point has to be its competitiveness. We have seen several ebbs and flow in form from different teams. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 Live Updates only on InsideSport.IN
The wait is over! ⚽
The second-half fixtures of the #HeroISL 2021-22 league stage are in 🤩
More details 👇🏻 https://t.co/UrEUI4eDyP#LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/MlYsD3AjXb
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 21, 2021
While Mumbai City have maintained their stronghold at the summit, Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters have proven that the Islanders are not invincibles. Teams like Jamshedpur FC, Chennaiyin FC have also started the first leg with a lot of grit and determination to make it to the top four. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan are looking to get back in there with their new coach Juan Ferrando.
Therefore the league is heating up and teams are looking to keep up with the momentum. So it will be interesting to see which four teams finally make it to this year’s playoffs. Starting from derbies and new rivalries, the second phase of the ISL will see a lot of action.
Here are the top five fixtures that you can’t miss in the second leg of the Indian Super League.
5. Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Last season’s replay of the finale saw Mumbai City FC thump ATK Mohun Bagan 5-1 in the first phase. While Juan Ferrando will look to turn it around for the Mariners, it won’t be easy against Des Buckingham’s men. The Islanders have shown exceptional consistency and will look to continue that winning momentum. Overall this fixture promises a lot of excitement and will surely be one that you can’t miss in the second phase.
4. Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC
The rivalry between the two South Indian outfits have been fierce over the last few seasons and this time it has been no different. It is true that the rivalry’s heart and soul are the fans of both teams but even without the fans, the rivalry has seen some entertaining matches. This is surely one of the fixtures that one can not afford to miss in the second phase.
3. Hyderabad FC vs Mumbai City FC
The surprise fixture from the first phase of the Indian Super League saw Hyderabad FC shock the Islanders. Therefore this can be a grudge match for Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City FC. The Islanders are currently at the top of the points table but they were pretty ineffective against the Nizams. So it will surely be one of the top fixtures to wat out for. Especially with two coaches of similar philosophies locking horns, it will make the encounter more exciting.
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2. Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC
Just like the last fixture, Mumbai City FC’s second defeat came against Kerala Blasters. Therefore the Islanders will be eager to right the wrong from the first phase. Des Buckingham’s men will be looking to continue their stronghold at the summit of the ISL points table. The high flying Blasters have finally found their feet this season and them going up against the high flying Mumbai City will surely be an enticing fixture in the second phase.
1. ATK Mohun Bagan vs SC East Bengal
The Kolkata Derby is undoubtedly the biggest fixture in Indian football. While the derby in the first phase may have ended in ATK Mohun Bagan’s way the second one can very well be different. Overall the history and the legacy involved between the two Kolkata giants makes this fixture simply unmissable. Whatever the result may be, one has to experience one of Asia’s oldest and fiercest derbies.
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