The group stage of Durand Cup 2024 is about to enter its final lap with six Indian Super League (ISL) teams set to battle it out for the four remaining spots in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Six group winners and two best runners-up advance to the knockout stage of the competition. So far, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC and Indian Army have booked their place in the last eight.

With just three fixtures to go in the group stage, seven teams are in contention to secure the final four spots. Some are within touching distance of the quarter-finals while some have their hopes hanging by a thread.

Ahead of the three remaining matches, here’s what each of those teams need to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Remaining Fixtures: 

NorthEast United vs Odisha FC

FC Goa vs Shillong Lajong

Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC

Scenarios: 

Mohun Bagan SG: The Mariners just need a point against their rivals East Bengal FC on Sunday to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. With a healthy goal difference of +7, Mohun Bagan SG will go through if NorthEast United FC beat Odisha FC and they don't suffer a very heavy defeat in the Kolkata derby.

East Bengal FC: The Red and Gold Brigade like their rivals need just a point to qualify for the next round. However, they are a bit more vulnerable to missing out on a last-eight berth if they lose the derby as their goal difference is just +4. 

It's healthy enough to have them among the two best second-placed teams as things stand but a defeat to the Mariners and especially a heavy one could leave them vulnerable especially if Odisha FC get the better of NorthEast United FC on Friday.

Jamshedpur FC: The Men of Steel have played their three matches and have six points to their name with a goal difference of +3. They sit in the second spot in Group D behind Indian Army. 

Khalid Jamil’s men will need NorthEast United FC to beat Odisha FC and hope Mohun Bagan SG beat East Bengal FC by two goals and hope FC Goa and Shillong Lajong don't play out a draw. 

NorthEast United FC: The Highlanders need just a point against Odisha FC to book a place in the quarter-finals. A defeat would leave them depending on the Kolkata derby and the FC Goa-Shillong Lajong match not ending up as draws to have a chance to qualify. They’d have a higher chance to go through if Mohun Bagan SG defeat East Bengal FC in the Kolkata derby if they lose to Odisha FC in their final match.

Odisha FC: The Kalinga Warriors need to win their final match against NorthEast United FC. Any other result and they will be eliminated.

FC Goa: The Gaurs need a win against Shillong Lajong to qualify for the next round. A draw could be enough if the Kolkata derby also doesn't end up as a draw. A defeat would put an end to their campaign. 

Shillong Lajong: Shillong Lajong will qualify for the last eight with just a draw or a win against FC Goa in the final match of the group. A defeat will spell the end of their campaign.