ISL Fantasy, Matchweek 6 Preview: Transfer trends, top buys and more
This is the first double Matchweek of the ISL season, offering fantasy managers the potential to rack up more points by selecting players who feature in two games.
All 12 Indian Super League (ISL) teams are set to return to action in Matchweek 6 following the conclusion of Matchweek 5, which featured only five fixtures. Notably, the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC was postponed.
Matchweek 6 presents a unique opportunity, as four teams - Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, Punjab FC, and Hyderabad FC - will play twice during this Matchweek. This is the first double Matchweek of the ISL season, offering fantasy managers the potential to rack up more points by selecting players who feature in both games.
4️⃣ Mariners in the 🔝 🔟 most-owned #ISLFantasy players in the season so far! 👏🏻
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 31, 2023
Create your MW6 teams now: https://t.co/0AhJFLjtWn #ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball | @Sports18 pic.twitter.com/DQeqN4yRXx
Matchweek 5 summary
During Matchweek 5, a total of 14 goals were scored in the five games played. Notable highlights included Chennaiyin FC's dominant 5-1 victory over Punjab FC. In terms of fantasy league performance, Rafael Crivellaro and Connor Shields emerged as top performers, earning 14 and 10 points, respectively. Chennaiyin FC's Ryan Edwards and Farukh Choudhary also scored well with eight points each, finishing joint-third in the list of top scoring players.
Additionally, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from Bengaluru FC achieved his first clean sheet of the season against FC Goa, while Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper Sachin Suresh matched his points tally, thanks to a crucial penalty save. NorthEast United FC captain Michel Zabaco also earned the same number of points by finding the net against Jamshedpur FC.
Matchweek 6: What to expect?
Matchweek 6 of the ISL will feature eight exciting games. It kicks off with Odisha FC hosting Bengaluru FC. Odisha FC will have a second fixture against NorthEast United FC. Meanwhile, Punjab FC will play an away match against Mumbai City FC before returning home to face Hyderabad FC on 7th November.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will return from their break, aiming to extend their winning streak as they take on Jamshedpur FC. Another exciting fixture is the faceoff between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC at the Gachibowli Stadium. Kerala Blasters FC will host East Bengal FC to conclude the Saturday doubleheader, followed by Chennaiyin FC's clash against FC Goa on Sunday.
With the first double Matchweek of the ISL season, fantasy managers have a prime opportunity to earn more points by selecting players involved in both games. These upcoming matches promise a wealth of action and excitement for football fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
Fixtures
Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC | October 31, 2023 |
Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant | November 1, 2023 |
Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC | November 2, 2023 |
Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC | November 3, 2023 |
Hyderabad FC vs Bengaluru FC | November 4, 2023 |
Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC | November 4, 2023 |
Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa | November 5, 2023 |
Punjab FC vs Hyderabad FC | November 7, 2023 |
What the managers are thinking?
After four Matchweeks, FC Goa's full-back Jay Gupta has become the most popular transferred in player, having delivered three returns. Despite his initial price of 4.0, he remains a popular choice, even though his value has dropped since the start of the season. His teammate, Victor Rodriguez, is also a favoured selection, as he's expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Noah Sadaoui's absence.
In spite of not producing returns in Matchweek 5, Mourtada Fall of Odisha FC is the second most transferred player. Sahal Abdul Samad from Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC's goalkeeper Sachin Suresh complete the list of the most five transferred players.
Player | Position | Club | Transfer IN |
Jay Gupta | Defender | FC Goa | 492 |
Mourtada Fall | Defender | Odisha FC | 344 |
Victor Rodriguez | Midfielder | FC Goa | 242 |
Sahal Samad | Midfielder | Mohun Bagan SG | 220 |
Sachin Suresh | Goalkeeper | Kerala Blasters FC | 218 |
(As of October 31, 12:30PM)
Managers are acting swiftly to replace players dealing with injuries or suspensions. Ali has become the most transferred-out player after suffering an injury during the AFC Cup, followed by Noah Sadaoui, who is uncertain for FC Goa's upcoming match against Chennaiyin FC.
Prabir Das remains suspended, and there are two unexpected departures: Griffiths, who will return to action after serving a one-match suspension against Hyderabad FC, and Gogoi, who faces a challenging run of fixtures but is among the top 10 highest scoring players so far.
Player | Position | Club | Transfer OUT |
Anwar Ali | Defender | Mohun Bagan SG | 311 |
Noah Sadaoui | Midfielder | FC Goa | 301 |
Rostyn Griffiths | Defender | Mumbai City FC | 242 |
Parthib Gogoi | Midfielder | NorthEast United FC | 232 |
Prabir Das | Defender | Kerala Blasters FC | 153 |
(As of October 31, 12:30PM)
Top Picks for MW6:
Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC): Having already scored this season, the Spanish midfielder has demonstrated his reliability in Bengaluru FC's midfield. Despite facing two challenging away fixtures, Hernandez's creativity, vision, and attacking abilities make him a solid choice.
Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC): The Brazilian centre-forward has already found the back of the net twice. He will be playing twice at home in Matchweek 6, although there's a chance he could be rotated due to Odisha FC's busy schedule.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC): The Argentine has scored four times in as many appearances, making him a must-pick for managers. His impact in this season's ISL has been remarkable, and it's expected that he will continue his excellent form.
Top Differential Picks for MW6:
Joseph Knowles (Hyderabad FC): Knowles has integrated well into Hyderabad FC and has started in all their games so far. His ability to drive into the box and score goals makes him a top differential pick for Matchweek 6.
Luka Majcen (Punjab FC): Despite his team's challenging start to the season, Majcen remains the primary attacking threat for Punjab FC. He has scored once this season and plays in two fixtures this Matchweek. Additionally, he takes penalty duties for the team.
Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC): Shields displayed his class in the previous Matchweek with an impressive goal against Punjab FC. His finishing and shooting accuracy make him a reliable option for managers. Shields seems to be in good goal-scoring form and is expected to continue scoring in Matchweek 6.
Captaincy Pick: Diego Mauricio
Choosing a captain can be a tough decision, but Mauricio has the edge as he has two home fixtures. The Kalinga Stadium has been a reliable venue for the Odisha FC forward, and Mauricio could reward managers handsomely. While Diaz and Adrian Luna are strong contenders, Mauricio's home advantage makes him the prime choice for the captaincy.