The season is racing towards its climax and matches are now coming thick and fast. Matchweek 18 of the Indian Super League (ISL) features seven matches spread across the next seven days.

Three teams – Kerala Blasters FC, NorthEast United FC, and Bengaluru FC – will return to the pitch after a week's break, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be absent this time around. Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, and Punjab FC will play two matches apiece in Matchweek 18.

This presents a golden opportunity for ISL Fantasy managers to capitalize on players featuring twice. However, managers with Mohun Bagan Super Giant players in their squad will face a challenge, as the team won't be in action this week.

Matchweek 17 summary

Following their absence in Matchweek 16, Punjab FC roared back to form with a dominant 2-0 victory against Hyderabad FC. Their players rewarded fantasy managers' faith, with Madih Talal (11 points) and Luka Majcen (9 points) each scoring and assisting a goal, claiming the top scorer spots for the week. Manvir Singh added another 8 points to his name with two assists.

Although East Bengal played twice in Matchweek 17, their big names couldn't replicate their usual magic. However, a solid defensive performance in the first match against Chennaiyin FC saw goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (8 points) and defender Lalchungnunga (7 points) making it into the top five point scorers.

Mohmmad Yasir (7 pts) and Nandhakumar Sekar (7 pts) continued their scoring form this week, while Princeton Rebello (7 pts) also accumulated valuable points for his owners.

Matchweek 18: What to expect?

After sitting out Matchweek 17, three teams will return to action. Among them, NorthEast United FC are set to play two matches this week. In addition to NorthEast United FC, both Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC will also appear twice in this Matchweek. This makes it extremely appealing for ISL Fantasy managers to include players from these three teams.

However, they need to adjust their teams with the understanding that the Mariners will not be playing any matches this week, while Odisha FC is set to miss action in Matchweek 19.

What are managers thinking? 

Player

Position

Club

Transferred IN

Dimitrios Diamantakos

 Forward

Kerala Blasters FC

265

Madih Talal

Midfielder

Punjab FC

264

Jeremy Manzorro

Midfielder

Jamshedpur FC

210

Tomi Juric

Forward

NorthEast United FC

205

Nestor Albiach

 Midfielder

NorthEast United FC

185

(As of Saturday, 2 March, 10:00 AM IST)

Player

Position

Club

Transferred OUT

Sachin Suresh

 Goalkeeper

Kerala Blasters FC

233

Dimitri Petratos

Forward

Mohun Bagan SG

213

Cleiton Silva

Forward

East Bengal FC

184

Sahal Abdul Samad

Midfielder

Mohun Bagan SG

165

Ahmed Jahouh

Midfielder

Odisha FC

152

(As of Saturday, 2 March, 10:00 AM IST)

Top Picks for Matchweek 18

Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC): With two games in the upcoming Matchweek, the Spaniard should be the top pick for fantasy managers. Despite being listed as a midfielder, Albiach has primarily operated behind the striker, providing him with increased opportunities for attacking returns.

Roy Krishna (Odisha FC): Roy Krishna, despite not securing any attacking returns against East Bengal FC, played a pivotal role in their last victory. As the current leading goalscorer, Krishna is eager to regain his goal-scoring form when his team faces the struggling Chennaiyin FC side.

Madih Talal (Punjab FC): The French playmaker has been the most impactful player in Punjab FC’s surge in the league. Talal (36) leads the chances creation chart and is showcasing his mettle in his new role, operating more advanced towards the opposition box. He has amassed three goals and three assists in the last six matches and will be eager to enhance those tallies as they play twice this week.

Top differential picks for Matchweek 18: 

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC): Despite being owned by only 2% of ISL fantasy managers, the Slovenian forward has delivered valuable points to his owners. Majcen scored one goal and provided an assist in their recent victory against Hyderabad FC. As his team contends for a playoff spot, the Shers will be relying on him for goals when they face Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC this week.

Iker Guarrotxena (Mumbai City FC): The Spaniard features twice this week and has been in good form since joining the Islanders in the January transfer window. Guarrotxena has notched one goal and two assists in just five appearances. Owned by only 1% of ISL fantasy managers, he could present a high differential potential this week.

Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC): Another NorthEast United FC player who has recently regained form is the fiery winger down the left flank. With the tendency to beat defenders with raw pace and impressive shooting skills, Jithin is a force to be reckoned with. With only 1% ownership, he could be another differential pick this week.

Captaincy Choice: Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC)

There could be a debate for the captaincy armband this week, with as many as three teams playing twice. However, considering the difficulty of the fixtures and the player's current form, Albiach could be an excellent captaincy pick. He faces the bottom-placed Hyderabad FC, providing an opportunity for him to once again showcase his mettle and also against Punjab FC, which is a home fixture.

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/

Related tags:

2023-2024 Nestor Albiach Roger