Matchweek 9 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-2023 was exhilarating as impeccable action unfolded in the league. 14 goals were scored across five matches. From Mumbai City FC cementing their feet firmly on the top of the league table to Kerala Blasters FC continuing their winning streak, the last matchweek was full of action.

ATK Mohun Bagan kickoff Matchweek 10 against Jamshedpur FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in West Bengal followed by Hyderabad FC hosting East Bengal FC at G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. Saturday’s doubleheader will see FC Goa host Odisha FC as they look to bounce back from their last defeat whereas NorthEast United FC would try to grab their first win of the season against Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. In the concluding fixture of matchweek 10, Kerala Blasters host Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on their home turf in Kerela.

With Matchweek 10 around the corner, here is a look at the key narratives to keep an eye on:

Time for revenge for ATK Mohun Bagan?

Matchweek 10 starts with two teams coming into the match with different mindsets. ATK Mohun Bagan plan to get all three points from the match and leap-frog to the third position on the table.  On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC would try to break their losing streak and change the course of the team for the rest of the season.

This is the repeat of their final match of the league stage campaign last season whem Jamshedpur FC beat ATK Mohun Bagan to win the League Winners' Shield. However, Jamshedpur FC are now a shadow of the team that won their eighth match in a row on that day while ATK Mohun Bagan have largely strengthened in the summer.

Juan Ferrando’s men would try to use their home advantage against Jamshedpur FC as they seek revenge for last season's defeat. The Mariners have registered three out of their four wins in this league on their home turf. Jamshedpur FC would take confidence from their last season’s double win over ATK Mohun Bagan as the Red Miners look for a win to change the course of their season desperately.

Hyderabad FC vs home record vs East Bengal FC's away record

The defending champions, Hyderabad FC, would be eagerly waiting to snatch pole position again as they host East Bengal FC while Mumbai City FC have a free week. Both teams are coming to the fixture on the back of impressive wins respectively.

East Bengal FC’s task will be made tougher as they haven’t registered a win against Hyderabad FC in the last four occasions, losing twice and drawing the games on the other two. But they will draw inspirattion from their away form as they have won three out of their four matches away from Kolkata. However, their resolve on the road will be tested against Hyderabad FC who have lost just once at home this season, winning all the other matches. 

Odisha FC test for struggling FC Goa

FC Goa welcome Odisha FC in a high-voltage fixture as both teams are strong contenders for the playoff spots. Carlos Pena’s side has seen a rollercoaster of a season with back-to-back wins followed by unexpected losses and the biggest one coming in the last match for the Gaurs.

Odisha FC would look to continue their charge for the first position with Josep Gombau’s men making it three wins in the last three matches. With Nandhakumar leading the charge for the team and the whole team turning the engines on at the right moment, victory against FC Goa would take the Juggernauts to first place on the points table.

Can NorthEast United FC pick up their first point?

NorthEast United FC continue to look for their first win of the season as Marco Balbul’s men showed signs of resurgence with an improved performance in the last outing. With the new signing, striker Wilmar Jordan, is expected to start as the team looks to change their fortunes.

Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, looks to break a dry spell of results and return to their winning ways. With a victory against NorthEast United FC, the Marina Machans would move to the top half of the table. Thomas Brdaric would be urging his men to get all three points against a leaky NorthEast United FC defense that have conceded 18 goals this season.

The situation is bleak for NorthEast United FC but they can take inspiration from the past as they have a very good record at home against Chennaiyin FC. The Highlanders have lost just once to the two-time champions in Guwahati is six matches, while winning four of those contests. With Chennaiyin FC having a wobble in the last match, this presents them with a good chance to open their account.

The Battle of the Neighbours, Kerala Blasters FC host Bengaluru FC

Kerala Blasters FC welcome Bengaluru FC as they look on to continue their winning run. The Yellow Army are on a four-game winning streak as they jumped from the bottom half of the table to the fifth spot.  Ivan Vukomanovic’s side ride on the red-hot form of striker, Dimitrios Diamantakos as the Greek has scored four goals in the last four appearances and is the team’s top scorer for the league.

Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, looks on to their third victory of the season. The Blues displayed a spirited team performance against FC Goa but failed to grow the momentum as they fell short against ATK Mohun Bagan and lost to a solitary goal. Bengaluru FC would gain confidence from their head-to-head record against the Yellow Army as during the last 10 meetings, Kerala Blasters FC have won two times, the match resulted in a draw twice while Bengaluru FC have won six times.