AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: As the I-League hits its halfway mark, the competition is heating up with no team breaking away as the clear frontrunners. While a mere six points separating the top seven teams, the urgency at the bottom is more, where the clubs are fighting to escape the relegation zone on the eve of Round 12, starting Saturday.

Thanks to their win over Real Kashmir and Namdhari’s draw versus Sreenidi Deccan, Churchill Brothers are back at the top of the I-League standings with 22 points from 11 matches, including seven wins, one draw, and three losses. The Red Machines aim to extend their lead at the top in their upcoming home match against newly-promoted SC Bengaluru at the Raia Ground on February 3 at 15:30. SC Bengaluru, struggling at the bottom, face a tough challenge against the seasoned side, who will be keen to capitalise on the underdog’s vulnerabilities to consolidate their position.

Hot on Churchill’s heels are Namdhari FC, Gokulam Kerala, and Inter Kashi, each vying for the top spot. Namdhari, second in the standings with 21 points, have shown formidable form, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches since their defeat to Dempo SC on December 3. On February 2 at 14:00 at the Coach Ali Hassan Stadium, the Punjab side will face 11th placed Delhi FC next, a team lying in relegation zone and desperate for points, making it a crucial match for both sides. Namdhari must avoid complacency to maintain their momentum and maintain the title charge.

Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala and Inter Kashi are entangled in a tight contest for the third spot. Gokulam hold third place with 19 points, and Inter Kashi follow closely in fourth with 18 points. Both teams will clash on Saturday, February 1 at the Kalyani Stadium at 19:00, in a matchup that promises to be a thriller, considering the hosts will be out for revenge after being dismantled 2-6 by the Malabarians just a week ago.

Further down the table, Shillong Lajong, Real Kashmir, and Rajasthan United are locked in a tie with 16 points each. Sixth-placed Real Kashmir, known for their strong home form, will face Shillong Lajong at the TRC Ground on February 2 at 14:00. Lajong will bank on Douglas Tardin, the league’s top scorer with 11 goals, to challenge Real Kashmir’s formidable home record. The Snow Leopards have won four, drawn three and lost none in Srinagar so far.

Kicking off the 12th round will be eighth-placed Dempo SC. The five-time champions will take on seventh-placed Rajasthan United at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 1 at 15:30. Dempo, who broke their winless streak of five matches with a win over Delhi FC in their last game, will aim to build on their newfound momentum and inch further away from the relegation zone. Rajasthan, on the other hand, are on the road after three matches at home and will look to extend their seven-game unbeaten streak.

The round concludes with Sreenidi Deccan facing Aizawl FC at the Deccan Arena on February 3 at 19:00. Both teams, lying in 9th and 10th, respectively, have struggled incessantly and are eager to bounce back to form. The Deccan Warriors have not won in the last four. Incidentally, their last win came against Aizawl in the reverse fixture when they sensationally overturned a three-goal deficit to bag all three points. For former champions Aizawl, fixing the defence will solve a lot of problems. They have conceded 26 goals this season, including 13 goals in the last three away matches, and will be desperate not to add to that tally.