The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season is set to resume this Wednesday, bringing with it the excitement of the ISL Fantasy game — a source of immense joy and entertainment for managers. As teams gear up to rediscover their form and reengage in the competition during the second half of the season, fantasy managers are entering a crucial phase. This period demands not only a focus on immediate fixtures but also strategic planning for the remaining eight Matchweeks, culminating in the conclusion of the league stages in April.

In the upcoming Matchweeks, certain teams are slated to miss matches, adding an extra layer of complexity for fans. To navigate this challenge effectively, fantasy managers have the opportunity to make unlimited transfers right before the Matchweek 13 deadline. This strategic move allows them to fortify their squads and ensure they are well-positioned for success in the upcoming stages of the ISL Fantasy game.

Matchweek 12 summary 

Matchweek 12 featured only nine teams, with notable absences including Hyderabad FC, East Bengal FC, and Bengaluru FC. Among the nine teams, Odisha FC had two matches during the Matchweek, providing fantasy managers with ample opportunities to accumulate points. 

Notably, Roy Krishna emerged as the highest-scoring player of the Matchweek, amassing an impressive 19 points across two games — an achievement that set a new record for the most points scored by a single player in a Matchweek. His teammate at Odisha FC, Isak Ralte, also recorded double-digit points, totalling 16 for the Matchweek.

Matchweek 13: What to expect? 

In the upcoming Matchweek, Chennaiyin FC will not be in action, prompting managers to consider this when restructuring their squads. The first fixture of the year will see Jamshedpur FC host NorthEast United FC. FC Goa, the only unbeaten team, will face Hyderabad FC, the sole team in the league yet to secure a victory, in a match that promises excitement.

A thrilling clash awaits on Friday as Odisha FC takes on Kerala Blasters in Bhubaneswar. Saturday's doubleheader will feature a face-off between Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC, followed by the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby. The Matchweek will conclude with Mumbai City FC facing off against Jamshedpur FC— two teams that reached the semi-final of the Kalinga Super Cup.

What are managers thinking?

Most Transfer IN players ahead of MW13

Player	Position	Club	Transferred IN
Dimitrios Diamantakos	Forward	Kerala Blasters FC	638
Roy Krishna	Forward	Odisha FC	556
Noah Sadaoui	Midfielder	FC Goa	500
Isak Ralte	Midfielder	Odisha FC	446
Javi Hernandez	Midfielder	Bengaluru FC	404

(As of Monday, 29 January, 8:30 PM)

Most Transfer OUT players ahead of MW13

Player	Position	Club	Transferred OUT
Adrian Luna	Midfielder	Kerala Blasters FC	556
Jorge Diaz	Forward	Mumbai City FC	411
Sahal Abdul Samad	Midfielder	Mohun Bagan SG	320
Victor Rodriguez	Midfielder	FC Goa	312
Mourtada Fall	Defender	Odisha FC	297

(As of Monday, 29 January, 8:30 PM)

Top Picks for Matchweek 12

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC): The Brazilian is in red-hot form having helped the team win the Kalinga Super Cup. He was the top scorer in the tournament with five goals and is known to step it up in the big games. With the Kolkata derby in the offing, expect Silva to be at his very best and get on the scoresheet.

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa): As FC Goa's top goalscorer this season, Sadaoui has found the net four times in eight games. Set to face Hyderabad FC, a team with a vulnerable defence having conceded 19 goals in 11 games, Sadaoui emerges as a robust captaincy option for this Matchweek.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC): Bengaluru FC receives a boost with the return of Chhetri, who missed the Super Cup due to national team duties at the AFC Asian Cup. Going up against a struggling Punjab FC side that has won only one of their 12 games, Chhetri becomes a focal point for fantasy managers.

Top Differential Picks for Matchweek 12

Jay Gupta (FC Goa): Gupta, the second-highest scoring defender in ISL fantasy this season, has been a revelation at a budget-friendly price. FC Goa boasts the league's best defensive record, having conceded only five goals. With Hyderabad FC having scored the same number of goals this season, Gupta stands out as a valuable differential.

Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan SG): Despite facing a challenging fixture against East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby, Petratos thrives in significant matchups. His earlier decisive goal against the Red & Golds to secure the Durand Cup title for Mohun Bagan SG attests to his ability to perform in pressure situations.

Captaincy Pick: Noah Sadaoui

Hyderabad FC are yet to win a game this season and have leaked a lot of goals this season. So FC Goa's Sadaoui who is their chief threat 

Create your own ISL Fantasy team as well if you haven’t already

To mark its 10th season, ISL introduced ‘ISL Fantasy,’ a classic fantasy format game. Fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. They can create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation®️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/