The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 started with Kerala Blasters�?2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC in the opening fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on September 21.

As many as 12 teams are competing in the 10th edition of the Indian Super League. 

Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Punjab FC and Odisha FC are the 12 teams that are featuring in ISL 2023-24.

While goal scorers commonly receive recognition, the importance of a well-executed assist leading to the goal should never be overlooked. Those players capable of disrupting opposition play and delivering pinpoint passes are the catalysts in the Indian Super League. Providing assists is regarded as an art, mastered by only an elite few.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous holds the record for the most assists in ISL history. The French footballer has registered 32 assists in 103 matches. 

Some of the other talented playmakers including the likes of Rafael Crivellaro, Sahal Abdul Samad, Adrian Luna, Cy Goddard and Carl McHugh have grabbed the attention with their crucial final passes which has culminated into goals in ISL 2023-24.

Chennaiyin FC attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro has provided five assists in 11 matches in the ongoing ISL.

On the other hand, Mohun Bagan’s Sahal Abdul Samad and Adrian Luna of Kerala Blasters FC have registered four assists each so far. Know players with most assists in ISL 2023-24.

Most assists in ISL 2023-24

Rank	Player	Club	Matches	Assists
1	Rafael Crivellaro	Chennaiyin FC	11	5
2	Sahal Abdul Samad	Mohun Bagan SG	6	4
3	Adrian Luna	Kerala Blasters FC	9	4
4	Liston Colaco	Mohun Bagan SG	8	3
5	Víctor Rodríguez	FC Goa	9	3
6	Greg Stewart	Mumbai City FC	9	3
7	Nandhakumar Sekar	East Bengal FC	10	3
8	Cy Goddard	Odisha FC	6	2
9	Manvir Singh	Mohun Bagan SG	8	2
10	Carl McHugh	FC Goa	9	2

Photo credit: Alamy

Attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous of ATK Mohun Bagan holds the record for most assists in the Indian Super League history. The former FC Goa and Mumbai City FC main man has provided 33 assists in 90 ISL matches.

Boumous, 27, arrived in the Indian Super League midway through the 2017-18 ISL season, joining the FC Goa side that reached the final in the subsequent campaign. In his first full season, the Frenchman recorded five assists followed by a career-high 10 assists in the 2019-20 season, which is the most assists in a single ISL season by any player.

In his two-and-a-half-year stint with the Gaurs, Boumous tallied an impressive 17 assists in 42 ISL appearances. His exploits eventually earned him a move to Mumbai City FC ahead of the 2020-21 season and riding on his return of seven assists and three goals, the Islanders won their first-ever ISL title.

Boumous tally of 33 assists is significantly more than Roy Krishna, who has provided the second-most assists in the Indian Super League. The Fijian striker has provided 23 assists so far. Meanwhile, Ahmed Jahouh and Brandon Fernandes have registered 22 assists, each, in the competition.

Most assists in the Indian Super League history

Player	Matches	Assists
Hugo Boumous	90	33
Roy Krishna	78	23
Brandon Fernandes	91	22
Ahmed Jahouh	110	22
Marcelo Pereira	87	19

 

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Featured photo: ISL Media

Jamshedpur FC forward Greg Stewart and Frenchman Hugo Boumous share the record for most assists in one ISL season (10).

Boumous first achieved the feat of most assists in one ISL season in Indian Super League 2019-20, where he played a role in 10 goals for FC Goa.

The attacking midfielder’s tally of 10 assists in 15 matches was matched two seasons later by Scotland striker Greg Stewart.

The Jamshedpur FC star, who also scored 10 goals in ISL 2021-22, recently grabbed his ninth and 10th assists of the season in JFC’s 5-1 win over Odisha FC on March 4.

Joint second on the list for most assists (8) in one ISL season are Florent Malouda (eight assists in 16 games in ISL 2015), Arnold Issoko (eight assists in 18 games in ISL 2018-19) and Alberto Noguera (eight assists in 20 games in ISL 2020-21).

Brazilian attacking midfielder Marcelo Pereira has the third-most assists in one ISL season. The 34-year-old recorded seven assists in 17 games for FC Pune City in ISL 2017-18.

Jonatan Lucca (five assists in 14 games in ISL 2016) and Miroslav Slepička (four assists in 10 games in ISL 2014) complete the top-five list for most assists in one ISL season.

Most assists in one ISL season

Player	Assists	Season
Greg Stewart, Hugo Boumous	10	2019-20, 2021-22
Florent Malouda, Arnold Issoko, Alberto Noguera	8	2015, 2018-19, 2020-21
Marcelo Pereira	7	2017-18
Jonatan Lucca	5	2016
Miroslav Slepička	4	2014

Author: William Paul

Featured photo: Website / Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC (JFC) will lock horns with ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) in the 20th match of the Indian Super League 2021-22 season at GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Monday, December 6.

JFC vs ATKMB Dream11 prediction

Under the tutelage of Owen Coyle, JFC are currently unbeaten in the ongoing edition of ISL. The Red Miners have registered one win and two draws in three matches so far. With five points on the board, Jamshedpur are currently placed fifth in the ISL 2021-22 standings.

On the other hand, ATKMB will look to bounce back from their 1-5 defeat against Mumbai City FC on Wednesday. Having secured convincing victories against arch-rivals SC East Bengal (3-0) and Kerala Blasters FC (4-2), the Mariners are currently placed fourth in the standings with six points from three matches.

ATK Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur FC had faced each other twice last season, winning one game apiece.

Going by recent form and team combination, ATKMB are expected to bag maximum points against JFC.

JFC vs ATKMB Dream11 team tips for Indian Super League 2021-22

Top tip: Best forward

Nerijus Valskis has been one of the standout players for Jamshedpur FC in ISL 2021-22. The ISL 2019-20 Golden Boot winner has already netted twice and provided one assist in three matches. The in-form forward is likely to trouble the shaky ATK Mohun Bagan backline on Monday.

Top tip: Best midfielder

ATK Mohun Bagan’s attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous has justified why the Mariners paid more than two crore rupees in transfer fee in order to acquire his services from defending champions Mumbai City FC. The French-Moroccan footballer has been sensational for ATKMB this season, controlling the tempo of the game from midfield while also bagging two goals to his name. Boumous will once again be the key player for ATK Mohun Bagan against Jamshedpur FC.

Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper

Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley has been impressive in the first three ISL matches this season. The 33-year-old centre-back has been rock solid at the heart of the defence and has conceded two goals so far. Hartley also scored a decisive goal against SC East Bengal to salvage a point for the Red Miners. He will play an important role for Jamshedpur against a strong ATKMB forward line.

For the goalkeeper spot, Jamshedpur FC’s Rehenesh TP is expected to be busier than ATK Mohun Bagan’s Amrinder Singh. With the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous and Liston Colaco at the opposition team, Rehenesh will be required to make important saves and thus, will have the opportunity to garner more fantasy points through his saves.

JFC vs ATKMB probable playing XI

JFC playing XI (probable): Rehenesh TP (goalkeeper); Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Peter Hartley (captain), Ricky Lallawmawma; Seiminlen Doungel, Jitendra Singh, Pronay Halder, Komal Thatal; Greg Stewart, Nerijus Valskis

ATKMB playing XI (probable): Amrinder Singh (goalkeeper), Pritam Kotal, Deepak Tangri, Carl McHugh, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Roy Krishna (captain), Joni Kauko

SportsAdda will bring you Jamshedpur FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan FC live score.

Featured photo: ISL Media

ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) will take on defending champions Mumbai City FC (MCFC) in a mouth-watering Indian Super League 2021-22 clash at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa on Wednesday, December 1.

ATKMB vs MCFC Dream11 prediction

Under manager Antonio López Habas, ATK Mohun Bagan have looked the most dominant side in the ongoing edition of ISL, beating Bengaluru FC 4-2 and thrashing arch-rivals SC East Bengal 3-0 in their first two matches of the season.

On the other hand, Mumbai City FC suffered a shocking 1-3 defeat to Hyderabad FC after starting the new campaign with a clinical 3-0 win over FC Goa.

The Islanders beat the Mariners 2-1 in the ISL 2020-21 final to claim their maiden title. Mumbai City also defeated ATK Mohun Bagan in both league matches last season and currently have a 3-0 head-to-head record against them.

However, ATK Mohun Bagan have bolstered their squad from last season and will start as favourites against Mumbai City FC in a repeat of last season’s final.

ATKMB vs MCFC Dream11 team tips for Indian Super League 2021-22

Top tip: Best forward

ATK Mohun Bagan captain Roy Krishna is undoubtedly one of the best foreign players to have ever played in ISL. The 34-year-old has netted 31 goals and also provided 15 assists in 46 ISL matches so far. He has continued his impressive form in ISL 8, scoring two goals and bagging one assist in two matches. The Fiji national team striker is likely to trouble the Mumbai CIty FC defence on Wednesday.

Top tip: Best midfielder

Ahmed Jahouh has been one of the standout midfielders in ISL since completing his move from Moroccan club Moghreb Tetouan in the 2017-18 season. The 33-year-old footballer was instrumental in helping Mumbai City FC clinch the title last season. Jahouh scored against Hyderabad FC on Sunday and will once again look to control the tempo of the game against a strong ATK Mohun Bagan outfit.

Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper

ATK Mohun Bagan defender Pritam Kotal has been impressive in the first two ISL matches so far. Playing at right-back, Kotal has provided decisive crosses and also defended well when required. The India international has bagged one assist and also made six clearances and four blocks in ISL 8. He will play an important role for the Mariners at Fatorda.

Between the sticks, Mumbai City FC’s Mohammad Nawaz is expected to be busier than ATK Mohun Bagan’s Amrinder Singh. Nawaz will need to bring his A-game and make decisive saves against the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous and Liston Colaco to keep the Mariners quiet. Since he will be in the line of fire, Nawaz is expected to accumulate more fantasy points for your team through his saves.

ATKMB vs MCFC probable playing XI

ATKMB playing XI (probable): Amrinder Singh (goalkeeper), Pritam Kotal, Deepak Tangri, Carl McHugh, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Roy Krishna (captain), Joni Kauko

MCFC playing XI (probable): Mohammad Nawaz (goalkeeper), Mohamad Rakip, Rahul Bheke, Mourtada Fall (captain), Amey Ranawade, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Raynier Fernandes, Cassinho, Bipin Singh, Igor Angulo

SportsAdda will bring you ATK Mohun Bagan FC vs Mumbai City FC live score.

Featured photo: ISL Media

Matchday 4 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season promises to enthral football fans and fantasy gamers alike with another round of action-packed fixtures. Chennaiyin FC will lock horns with arch-rivals Bengaluru FC in the first game of matchday 4. 

The fantasy managers will, however, need some suggestions in cherry-picking the most productive playing XI to potentially get maximum points. Here are five players who you should pick for your ISL fantasy league matchday 4:

Player: Roy Krishna, ATK Mohun Bagan FC

Match: Jamshedpur FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan FC

Roy Krishna has already scored three goals in as many matches to take ATK Mohun Bagan FC to the top of the ISL 2020-21 points table. In matchday 3, Krishna netted an injury-time winner to help the Mariners claim a thrilling win over Odisha FC. The Fijian striker has continued his incredible form in the ISL as he was the joint highest goal-scorer alongside Nerijus Valskis and Bartholomew Ogbeche in season 6. The 33-year-old had finished with 15 goals and six assists in 21 games. Krishna is among the early favourites to win the ISL Golden Boot this season.

Player: Adam le Fondre, Mumbai City FC

Match: Mumbai City FC vs Odisha FC

Adam le Fondre has been an instant hit in ISL 7 ever since joining Mumbai City FC from Sydney FC on loan this season. The 33-year-old struck twice as the Islanders thrashed SC East Bengal 3-0 in matchday 3 of ISL 2020-21. Currently, the Mumbai City FC striker holds the top spot in the ISL 2020-21 golden boot race alongside Krishna, FC Goa’s Igor Angulo and Nerijus Valskis of Jamshedpur FC. Le Fondre is expected to bag a bunch of goals in the upcoming matches as well.

Player: Hugo Boumous, Mumbai City FC

Match: Mumbai City FC vs Odisha FC

ISL 2019-20 ‘Hero of the League�?Hugo Boumous has once again shown why Mumbai City FC paid INR 1.6 crores to FC Goa to secure his services. The French midfielder has been one of the standout performers for Mumbai City FC this season. He assisted all three goals for the Islanders in their 3-0 win over SC East Bengal in their last encounter. Meanwhile, Boumous has become ISL’s top assist-maker, surpassing Odisha FC’s Marcelinho with 19 assists in 45 matches. Marcelinho has made 18 assists in his 65 ISL matches so far.

Player: Igor Angulo, FC Goa

Match: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC

Igor Angulo has proved to be one of the biggest signings of the ISL 2020-21 season. The FC Goa striker has already struck three crucial goals for the Gaurs. Angulo was brought in by the franchise to replace ISL’s all-time top-scorer Coro. On his ISL debut, the 36-year-old scored a brace to help his side salvage a 2-2 draw against ISL 5 winners Bengaluru FC. The Spanish striker netted his third goal of the tournament to secure a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in matchday 3.

Player: Dylan Fox, NorthEast United FC

Match: NorthEast United FC vs SC East Bengal

NorthEast United FC centre-back Dylan Fox has been the most impressive foreign defensive recruit in the ongoing edition of the ISL. Along with Belgian defender Benjamin Lambot, the two have formed a formidable centre-back pairing for the Highlanders. The 26-year-old Australian has already made 15 clearances in three matches and has a passing accuracy of close to 88%. The former Wellington Phoenix defender was a stand-out performer in A-league last season and he is expected to carry his impressive form against SC East Bengal in matchday 4.

There were a number of top Indian Super League (ISL) transfers that created a lot of interest among the football fans across the country.

As the ISL 2020-21 season gets underway, let’s take a look at some of the high-profile football players who grabbed headlines when ISL transfer market was in swing.

ISL transfer: How it works

The All India Football Federation (AIFF), in June this year, confirmed that it will open the ISL transfer window for the summer from August 1, 2020, till October 20, 2020. The second transfer window, on the other hand, starts on January 1, 2021, and runs till the end of January. The ISL teams will be allowed to acquire new players during this phase only.

The registration of the amateur players, however, can be done anytime during the season. In other ordinances, a club can only sign a minimum of five and a maximum of seven foreign players and at least one of them should be from an AFC-affiliated country. There are, however, no other restrictions in terms of the number of players that can be transferred, restricted to the extent of the squad limit.

ISL transfer market: Big moves of ISL 2020-21

Sandesh Jhingan: Kerala Blastes to ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan roped in Indian football team defender Sandesh Jhingan after a long ISL transfer battle with several other clubs.

The former Kerala Blasters FC captain had earlier decided to part ways with the Kochi-based outfit after six consecutive years. Jhingan joined ATK Mohun Bagan on a free transfer and was the most notable signing from the Indian contingent.

Sandesh Jhingan, who made his international debut in 2015, has represented India 36 times and scored 4 goals for the national side.

Interestingly, the Indian football team star defender will make his ATKMB debut against his former side Kerala Blasters in the first match of the ISL this season.

Hugo Boumous: FC Goa to Mumbai City FC

Hugo Boumous�?move from FC Goa to Mumbai City FC has been one of the most talked-about ISL transfers in recent memory. Mumbai City FC paid INR 1.6 crores to secure the services of ISL 2019-20 ‘Hero of the League�?

Boumous had scored 11 goals and also provided 10 assists in just 14 matches in ISL season 6, which helped FC Goa qualify for the 2021 AFC Champions League.

The French midfielder had joined the Gaurs in 2018 under head coach Sergio Lobera, who is now the coach of the Islanders and has been instrumental in bringing Hugo Boumous to Mumbai.

Bartholomew Ogbeche: Kerala Blasters to Mumbai City FC

Kerala Blasters�?all-time top goal-scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche has penned a one-year deal with Mumbai City FC. 

The Nigerian had netted 15 goals for the Tuskers and finished as the joint-top scorer in ISL 2019-20 season alongside Chennaiyin FC’s Nerijus Valskis and erstwhile ATK’s Roy Krishna.

Previously, Ogbeche had scored 12 goals playing for NorthEast United in ISL 2018-19.

The Nigerian will bring in plenty of experience in Indian football and can help the Islanders secure their maiden ISL title.

Nerijus Valskis: Chennaiyin FC to Jamshedpur FC

ISL’s Golden Boot winner in season 6, Nerijus Valskis followed his former head coach Owen Coyle from Chennaiyin FC to Jamshedpur FC ahead of ISL 2020-21.

Nerijus Valskis had scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 20 matches for the ‘Marina Machans�?

The Lithuanian footballer has also represented his national side 24 times. He has played his club football in his homeland, Israel, Belarus, Poland, Thailand and Romania. 

Adam Le Fondre: A-League to Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC arguably made the biggest signing of the season by roping in Sydney FC star Adam Le Fondre on loan.

Adam Le Fondre, who has also played in the Premier League, has scored 35 goals in just 49 appearances for Sydney FC and helped them win back-to-back A-League titles.

Additionally, Adam Le Fondre was named in the A-League Team of the Season in both 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Other notable ISL transfers

Nishu Kumar: Among Indian players in the ISL, Nishu Kumar’s transfer also grabbed headlines. After another splendid season with Bengaluru FC, 23-year-old Nishu Kumar decided to move to Kerala Blasters for ISL 2020-21, signing a four-year contract which made him the highest-paid Indian defender.

Redeem Tlang: Redeem Tlang, who scored three goals in the 2019-20 ISL season (his personal best), became FC Goa’s first acquisition when he switched his alliance from NorthEast United FC, signing a pre-contract in June. Despite NorthEast United finishing ninth last season, Tlang showed what he brings to the table.

Marcelinho: Marcelinho, the ISL Golden boot winner of the 2016 season, will play in his fourth Indian Super League club in the 2020-21 season after Odisha FC decided to splash �?8 million to lure the attacker away from Hyderabad FC.

Gary Hooper: Former Celtic and Norwich City forward Gary Hooper has arrived in Kerala Blasters amidst massive fanfare. The 32-year-old is expected to fill the void left by Bartholomew Ogbeche and judging by his experience, it is safe to say the Tuskers have done a fantastic job.

Anthony Pilkington: Hooper’s teammate at Norwich City, Anthony Pilkington signed for SC East Bengal ahead of the 2020-21 season and brings in an experience of over 400 appearances across four tiers of English football leagues and cup competitions. He will certainly be the one to keep a keen eye on.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @MumbaiCityFC

After a week that had as many as 20 goals scored across five games, a relatively low-scoring matchday 16 of the Indian Super League took the centre-stage, which hardly had any impact on the top half of the table. 

Mumbai City FC, who sit fourth on the table, needed injury-time drama to beat Jamshedpur FC 2-1 to strengthen their grip to reach the playoffs. Table-toppers FC Goa and ATK both registered easy victories over Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC respectively, while Chennaiyin FC dropped points for the first time in five games, as defending champions Bengaluru FC held them to a 0-0 draw.

A mere 12 goals were scored during the recent match week, and here are the best bits from it:

Hugo Boumous

For: FC Goa

Against: Hyderabad FC

Hugo Boumous has been an absolute revelation for FC Goa of late, scoring four goals in his last three outings; two of which came in his side’s recent 4-1 victory over Hyderabad at home. After breaking the deadlock as early as the 19^th minute, the 24-year-old midfielder scored a stunning solo goal in the 50^th to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Picking up the ball on the left-wing, Boumous beat not one or two, but five Hyderabad players to slot home a neat finish, and his celebration duly matched his breathtaking effort.

Marcelinho

For: Hyderabad FC

Against: FC Goa

Marcelinho has been Hyderabad’s only shining light this season, and although he has five goals and an assist so far, the best from the lot came against Goa last Wednesday. As Hyderabad won a free-kick some 25-30 yards out, the 32-year-old Brazilian fired a vicious left-footed drive which rattled the inside of the top bar and found its way into the net.

Bidyananda Singh

For: Mumbai City FC

Against: Jamshedpur FC

91 minutes into the game and the scoreline was stuck at 1-1. With the battle for the final playoff spot heating up, Mumbai City FC needed a moment of brilliance and a certain Bidyananda Singh delivered what was promised. As Jamshedpur defenders failed to clear the danger, the 22-year-old struck a first-time volley from the edge of the area and although the connection wasn’t the greatest, the ball found its way into the goal.

Roy Krishna

For: ATK

Against: Odisha FC

A hat-trick against Odisha FC on Saturday has taken ATK’s Roy Krishna to the top of the goal-scoring charts. He scored his first in emphatic fashion; a potent, typical striker’s finish. The 32-year-old, during a corner, skipped his marker from the far post and attempted a neat volley to send the home supporters into a frenzy. 

His second, on the other hand, was equally breathtaking, this time a stunning sprinting effort from the halfway line. Skidding past Carlos Delgado from the left, the Fijian made a neat cut into the area and pulled off a near-perfect chip to make it two for his team. 

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / IndSuperLeague

It is the valentine's week but if you have nothing to do with that, football has got you covered. For the first time in the history of the Premier League, the players are going to get a winter break. Champions League, on the other hand, is just on the horizon and the Indian Super League is hot and running too.

But with other leagues still active and running, we can't help you in building your fantasy team in Nostragamus. Here are some of the players who might steal the spotlight this week.

Player: Manuel Onwu

Team: Odisha FC

Match: Odisha FC vs NorthEast United

The Spanish forward signed for Bengaluru FC in the start of the ISL season but his sorry run of form for the blues made him switch shirts midway into the season as he joined Odisha FC on loan in the winter transfer window. Odisha, struggling to find the net in absence of Aridane Santana, were looking for a boost in their frontline and Onwu has given them just that.

The 32-year-old is on track to overturn his season already, having scored three goals in his last two appearances. Both his brace against Goa and his consolation against ATK ended in losses but Joseph Gambau would take "goal scoring" off his list of problems.

In their next encounter against NorthEast United, who are currently nine points above the bottom, Odisha would certainly start as favourites. But the catch is, although NEUFC are third from the bottom, only ATK and BFC have conceded fewer goals than them. They have shown resilience in the back. So, if Odisha are to break them down, Onwu is definitely their best bet.

Player: Sunil Chhetri

Team: Bengaluru FC

Match: Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC

If there is one player in India who makes football look easy, it is the captain fantastic, Sunil Chhetri. The Bengaluru FC skipper is technically brilliant but what makes him so difficult to defend is his positional awareness and ability to read the opponents.

Chhetri has scored nine goals in this instalment of the Indian Super League. Bengaluru are four points off the top and as they prepare to face eighth-placed Kerala Blasters, who have not won in their last four matches, Chhetri will surely be one of the key players in Carles Cuadrat's plans. Bengaluru have not lost a single game in ISL this year when Sunil has scored.

The 35-year-old has shown no signs of ageing and has four goals and an assist against KBFC and he would love to add to his tally in the next match.

Player: Hugo Boumous

Team: FC Goa

Match: FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC

The Moroccan youngster has been the backbone of FC Goa‘s success story this season. His creativity in the centre of the park has been hugely influential in most of the fixtures and his tally of eight goals and six assists speaks volumes about his ability.

The 24-year-old was directly involved in six of the eleven goals scored by Goa in the last three outings so if the Mumbai defenders find him difficult to defend, no eyebrows would be raised. Keeping him the team is a must for anyone playing.

Player: Ciro Immobile

Team: Lazio

Match: Lazio vs Inter

The one player who has finally risen up above the rest in this season is the Lazio frontman Ciro Immobile. The Italian international has made scoring look ridiculously easy as he has scored an immaculate 25 goals in just 22 games. His pace and precision has been the key to his success.

Serie A is jammed at the top with only a point separating the top three. As Lazio get ready to host Conte's Inter, this can be a very crucial fixture in the scheme of things and Simone Inzaghi would love to see his captain stepping up to the occasion.

Inter are also in a great run of form under Conte. They won't give up a single shred of grass without a fight and if Lazio want to get out winners in the match, Immobile has to bring his usual best to the table.

Player: Danny Ings

Team: Southampton FC

Match: Southampton vs Burnley

Finally, Danny Ings is firing. The English international has been in the fray for a long time and given his talent, it was just a matter of time when he finds his scoring boots. Since his move to Southampton, he has looked more dangerous in front of goal. This has resulted in him scoring 14 goals in 25 league games.

Ralph Husenhuttle's men faced a four-goal drubbing at the hands of Liverpool and their scoring has been off the mark. But surprisingly, Burnley are above them in the table, scoring three goals fewer.

One does not have to be a genius to guess that it is going to be a defensive affair. Therefore, Ings' game would be very crucial if Southampton want to squeeze out a point from the match against Sean Dyche's men.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Alberto Pizzoli

Odisha FC suffered a setback in their pursuit of the final playoff spot, with defending champions Bengaluru FC running riot to emerge 3-0 victors at home on matchday 14 of the Indian Super League.

The visitors however, were helped by the fact that Mumbai City FC too failed to get all three points against bottom-placed Hyderabad FC meaning there is still a point differentiating the Islanders and Odisha.

Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, stretched their winning run to three games with a convincing 4-1 win over Jamshedpur, while joint-league leaders, FC Goa and ATK narrowly survived to win all three points against Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC respectively.

Read | ISL 2019-20: Hernandez and Paartalu make their mark in Week 12

As many as 16 goals were scored across five games, and here are the best from the lot: 

Nerijus Valskis

For: Chennaiyin FC

Against: Jamshedpur FC

Chennaiyin’s Nerijus Valskis has been in stunning form of late. After a rather slow start to his new life in India, the 32-year-old has run riot by scoring five goals in his last three games, taking his tally to 10 for the season.

Against Jamshedpur FC, the Lithuanian was at his usual best, but the most entertaining goal came in the 74^th minute when Anirudh Thapa’s defence-splitting pass set Valskis through on goal. There was a lot to do though, and the 32-year-old managed to get past his marker and slot home with a neat chip over Subrata Pal. 

Sergio Castel

For: Jamshedpur FC

Against: Chennaiyin FC

Jamshedpur FC upped the gear once they found themselves wanting against Chennai. The result eventually came in the 71^st minute after a string of passes finally culminated in a goal by none other than Sergio Castel.

Right-back Joyner Lourenco had sent a looping ball into the area, and Castel met the swinging cross with his head to beat Vishal Kaith in goal.

Jackichand Singh

For: FC Goa

Against: Kerala Blasters

Ferran Corominas failed to get onto the scoresheet against Kerala on Saturday, but he did set-up Jackichand Singh for his first goal of the ISL. Left unmarked on the right side of the penalty area, the Spaniard sent a swinging ball towards Hugo Boumous, but Jackichand was quick enough to get his foot in the midst, deflecting the shot into the back of the net.

Hugo Boumous

For: FC Goa

Against: Kerala Blasters

With score tied at 2-2, Goa played a quick one-two in Kerala’s half, and their patience was duly rewarded in the 83^rd minute when midfielder Hugo Boumous met with an Ahmed Jahouh long ball to slot home a fantastic volley, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @IndSuperLeague