Mumbai, September 30: The third matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 saw NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC play out a 1-1 draw in Guwahati on Sunday. Across six matches, 16 goals were scored, with Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC, and Jamshedpur FC occupying the top-three spots in the standings currently. Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC are unbeaten after three games, whereas FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, and NorthEast United FC hold the other three playoffs positions respectively.
Here are three key factors to look forward to for Matchweek 4 of the ISL 2024-25, starting tomorrow:
1. Season’s first Kolkata derby awaits
October 5 will witness the first Kolkata Derby of the campaign, with defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant locking horns against the newly-promoted Mohammedan SC.
Interestingly, Mohammedan SC (7th) are a position above the Mariners (8th) in the standings currently, after gathering their maiden ISL win by beating Chennaiyin FC by 1-0.
Alarmingly, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have conceded the most goals (7) in the league so far, and they would aim at fixing their backline to keep their city rivals at bay. Regardless of the result, the Salt Lake Stadium promises to be a sight to savour on Sunday.
2. Three teams seek first wins
Mumbai City FC, East Bengal FC, and Hyderabad FC will all seek their first victories of the season in Matchweek 4.
All three teams await intense challenges, with the Islanders facing the unbeaten Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC clashing against Jamshedpur FC, who have won twice in their three matches so far.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC host Chennaiyin FC – who have won and lost once each in their two games, in their first home game of the season.
Whilst it’s too early in the season to arguably spot momentum, the importance of a strong start has been expressed by several coaches, and the aforementioned three teams will want to get those three points under their belt to get their season up and running.
3. Last year’s playoffs qualifiers aim to move up
FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, and Odisha FC had made it to the top-six last year, but have so far garnered only one win in three matches.
In Matchweek 4, the Juggernauts will play Kerala Blasters FC, whereas the Gaurs lock horns with NorthEast United FC, who hold a similar record in three games this season.
Whilst their results have thrown a mixed bag in 2024-25, all four of these teams will look to strengthen their positioning in the top-six, particularly before the international break that will take place from October 5-17. Positive outcomes before heading into the break will possibly set them just in the right path to move progressively in the season ahead.
ISL Fantasy – Players to watch out for in Matchweek 4
Team of the Week – Matchweek 3
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC, Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC), Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC)
Midfielders: Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC), Filip Mrzjlak (Punjab FC), Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC), Borja Herrera (FC Goa), Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
