The Indian Super League 2024-25 (ISL) playoffs kick off on Friday, marking the start of the ISL Fantasy Playoffs League as well.

With seven matches spread across four fantasy rounds, strategic planning is key. The first deadline is Saturday, ahead of the Knockout rounds.

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In Knockout 1, third-placed Bengaluru FC will take on defending ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC, while Knockout 2 will see NorthEast United FC face Jamshedpur FC on Sunday.

The winner of Knockout 1 will advance to a two-legged semi-final against FC Goa, while League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face the winner of Knockout 2.

Read: ISL Fantasy Playoffs League Guide

Fantasy managers should consider long-term planning since unlimited transfers are allowed only before the Knockout round. After that, transfers will be limited before each deadline. Prioritizing players from Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa, who are already in the semi-finals, is a smart move.

Here are the top picks, differentials, and chip strategies to maximize your fantasy points.

Top Picks

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC, Forward)

Ajaraie has been one of the standout players this season, scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists. His performances have been instrumental in NorthEast United FC’s playoff qualification. The Moroccan will once again be crucial against Jamshedpur FC, aiming to guide his side to their third-ever semi-final appearance.

Also Read: Highest scorers from the league phase who reached the playoffs

Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Defender)

With 192 fantasy points, Bose is the highest-scoring player in fantasy terms. His contributions on both ends of the pitch have been immense. The MBSG captain has been rock-solid at the back while also proving to be a set-piece threat, scoring six goals this season. He has also played a role in 13 clean sheets during the team’s dominant league campaign.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC, Forward)

Chhetri has enjoyed a resurgent season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists. His track record in the playoffs is impressive, with eight goals in 14 games, making him the all-time leading playoff goal scorer. After scoring on his return to international duty against the Maldives, Chhetri will be looking to inspire Bengaluru FC in the Knockout round.

Differential Picks

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa, Forward)

A consistent performer for FC Goa, Guarrotxena has registered seven goals and three assists in the league phase. Despite his impressive numbers, he is only owned by 5% of fantasy teams, making him a smart differential pick for managers looking to gain an edge.

Borja Herrera (FC Goa, Midfielder)

Another key player from FC Goa, Herrera, has taken his attacking game to another level this season. The 32-year-old midfielder has recorded five goals and four assists, including a hat-trick against his former club East Bengal FC. His involvement in set-pieces makes him an exciting differential pick with low ownership.

Chip Strategy

Fantasy managers will have access to two crucial chips during the playoffs – Bench Boost and Triple Captain.

Bench Boost: Activating this chip allows all bench players’ points to be counted in the final score for that round. The best time to use it is in the semi-final leg 2, when all four remaining teams will be in action. With aggregate scores in play, teams trailing from the first leg will have to attack more, leading to a more open game and increased point-scoring opportunities.

Triple Captain: This chip triples the captain’s points instead of doubling them for one round. A great time to use it would be early in the Knockouts, particularly on Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who has been in red-hot form. He faces Jamshedpur FC, a side against whom he scored braces in both league meetings.

Related tags:

Iker GuarrotxenaAlaaeddine AjaraieNorthEast United FC2024-2025 Borja HerreraSunil ChhetriSubhasish Bose