Matchweek five of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) was quite an exciting one. 12 goals were scored across five games, but we saw four clean sheets and a high-octane draw between Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan.

FC Goa celebrated a confident win against Jamshedpur FC and returned to winning ways. The Gaurs sit on the second spot in the Hero ISL table. Chennayin FC managed to win all three points against Stephen Constantine’s East Bengal FC after a fanatic match of football which saw both teams being reduced to 10 men and one goal by CFC making all the difference.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC consolidated their place at the top after winning against Odisha FC thanks to Mohammad Yasir’s early strike. Kerala Blasters FC defeated NorthEast United FC in Guwahati and cruised past Marco Balbul’s team with a 3-0 victory. Finally, matchweek 5 was concluded by a scintillating draw played between Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan as Juan Ferrando’s men came clutch in the match's dying moments and equalised despite being down to 10 men.

Jamshedpur FC kick off matchweek six against the league leaders Hyderabad FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur followed by ATK Mohun Bagan’s match as they welcome NorthEast United FC at Kolkata.

Bengaluru FC return to this matchweek after a break as they look to bounce back against East Bengal FC at home. On the weekend, we will see Chennayin FC welcome Mumbai City FC. All eyes would be on the last game of matchweek six as FC Goa travel to Kochi as they take on Kerala Blasters FC in an exciting encounter.

With matchweek six around the corner, here's a look at the key narratives to keep an eye on:

Jamshedpur FC welcome league leaders Hyderabad FC

The opening game of matchweek six will see last season's silverware holders locking horns in Jamshedpur. The Men of Steel return to their home ground after a demoralising defeat in their last fixture against FC Goa. JFC head coach Aidy Boothroyd demanded his team to learn from their mistakes against FC Goa and put on an improved performance against Hyderabad FC. 

On the other hand, Hyderabad FC would be looking to continue their super form as they eye a fifth-straight victory. The league leaders are sitting on the top with a four-point difference over second-placed FC Goa. And another three points would help HFC keep the momentum going.

ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC lock horns

ATK Mohun Bagan would be looking to continue their fine form and continue their three-match unbeaten streak as they welcome the Highlanders at Vivekananda Yuba Bharti Krirangan, in Kolkata for the first time in the Hero ISL. The Mariners would eye to extend their unbeaten record against NorthEast United FC.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders would be looking to register their first points of the season as the team languishes at the bottom of the Hero ISL table after five straight defeats. NEUFC will be seeing this fixture as an opportunity to get their campaign back on track. Head coach Marco Balbul believes the three points against ATK Mohun Bagan would provide his side some much-needed momentum to turn their season around. 

Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC look to bounce back

Bengaluru FC welcome East Bengal FC as the Blues look to return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats. On the other hand, East Bengal FC have only won one game this season and they enter matchweek six on the back of two consecutive defeats.

Both sides are languishing in the lower half of the table with only one victory in their kitty. Stephen Constantine's side would be aiming to cause an upset and get their momentum back whereas Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson would be looking to make the home advantage count.

After respective wins, Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC face off

Chennaiyin FC will be setting their sights against Mumbai City FC as they look to continue their winning momentum after a hard-fought victory against East Bengal FC. This will be CFC's third home game of the season as Thomas Bradric’s side welcome the Islanders at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Mumbai City FC enter the fixture on the back of a five-match unbeaten streak, who are placed second in the league table. Des Buckingham’s side would be riding hard on the team’s high morale and will look to silence the away crowd and close the gap on table toppers Hyderabad FC.

Can Gaurs bag another away win?

The concluding game of matchweek six sees FC Goa battle Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi. The KBFC supporters will welcome their home team back after the Blasters put an end to their losing streak with a remarkable victory against NorthEast United FC. In addition to that, the Blasters face a challenging task against Pena's men as they haven't beaten FC Goa in their last 10 fixtures, with their last win coming in the 2016 season. 

However, after a commanding victory in their last fixture, the Gaurs will be aiming to seal another away win. Out of three away matches so far, Carlos Pena's side have secured two wins. FC Goa have faced only one defeat so far and are currently placed second. The Gaurs go into the game as favorites and Carlos Pena would be expecting the team to rise up to the occasion and grab those three points.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FC2022-2023Jamshedpur FCBengaluru FCEast Bengal FCFC GoaMumbai City FCNorthEast United FCChennaiyin FC