Matchweek six of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 was exhilarating. 17 goals were scored across five games as we saw two clean sheets and one stellar comeback by Mumbai City FC as they came from two goals behind to win the game in a dramatic fashion.

Hyderabad FC registered another win as they overcame Jamshedpur FC to claim yet another clean sheet of the season. They now sit on top of the Hero ISL table after their fifth consecutive victory.  ATK Mohun Bagan left it late to clinch the three points against NorthEast United FC.

Meanwhile, East Bengal FC traveled to the Sree Kanteerava stadium and came out winners as they defeated old foes Bengaluru FC with a solitary goal. The penultimate match produced fireworks as we saw an eight-goal thriller at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai as Mumbai City FC made a comeback from a two-goal deficit to turn the tables and score six in reply against a hapless Chennaiyin FC. In the concluding game, Kerala Blasters FC finally broke their 10-match winless streak after a decisive victory over FC Goa. 

Mumbai City FC kickoff matchweek seven against Bengaluru FC at the Mumbai Football Arena followed by East Bengal FC hosting Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata. 

In Saturday's doubleheader, we will see Chennaiyin FC hosting Jamshedpur FC as they look to bounce back from their last defeat whereas Hyderabad FC will try to retain their position on top as they welcome their finalists of last season, Kerala Blasters FC. In the concluding fixture of matchweek seven, FC Goa clash against ATK Mohun Bagan at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Margao.

With matchweek seven around the corner, here is a look at the key narratives to keep an eye on:

Would Bengaluru FC be able to stop Mumbai City FC’s bull run?

The opening fixture takes us to the city of Mumbai as the Islanders host Bengaluru FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. The Islanders returned home after an explosive spectacle as they put six goals past Chennaiyin FC in their last fixture. Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham emphasized how the comeback will shape up to be a vital part of their ambitions for the season and demanded his players put up a great show in front of the home fans. The Blues sit on the second spot on the Hero ISL table.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC would be looking to turn the tide of the results as the Blues have faced three consecutive defeats leading to this fixture. Head Coach Simon Grayson believes the team has to stick together to overturn the recent form.

East Bengal FC lock horns with Odisha FC

A fixture that has seen Hero ISL’s biggest scoreline ever, East Bengal FC welcome Odisha FC in the second fixture of matchweek 7. Stephen Constantine’s men returned to winning ways as they won 1-0 against Bengaluru FC in their last outing. The morale would be riding high as the victory came after two consecutive defeats. The Red & Gold Brigade prepares itself to give Odisha FC a daunting experience with an exuberant environment.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC would be looking to take advantage of their strong record against East Bengal FC, as the Juggernauts haven’t lost any of their last three matches against East Bengal FC. Josep Gombau’s men return to action after a week’s break and will be hoping to use this breather to gather another three points.

Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC look to bounce back

Chennaiyin FC welcomes Jamshedpur FC as The Red Miners look to return to winning ways after two consecutive ways. On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC would look to recover from the second-half onslaught by Mumbai City FC in the last fixture.

Both of the teams are languishing in the bottom half of the Hero ISL table and looking to change the tide and move up the ladder on the table. Aidy Boothroyd’s side would be aiming to repeat the last season's heroics against Chennaiyin FC, as they came out winners when both teams met last season, While Thomas Brdaric would be looking to use the home advantage to motivate the team.

A meeting of the Hero ISL 2021-22 finalists

The league leaders welcome the Yellow Army in the second fixture of the weekend’s doubleheader. Unbeaten in their last six fixtures and riding on five consecutive victories, Manolo Marquez will be urging his players to use the momentum and positivity to get all three points as they march on.

On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC would be looking to cause an upset as Ivan Vukomanovic’s side has turned the ball back in their court with two back-to-back victories after a shaky start to the campaign with three consecutive defeats, and will be eyeing for revenge over the defeat in the last season’s finale.

Battle of the Spaniards

Matchweek 7 concludes with an exciting fixture as FC Goa welcome ATK Mohun Bagan at their home turf. Carlos Pena’s side would be looking to regroup after a defeat against Kerala Blasters FC in the last match. The Goan side sits on the fourth spot in the league standings, just a point behind ATK Mohun Bagan, which makes the fixture even more interesting.

ATK Mohun Bagan are in red-hot form, having been unbeaten in their last four outings. Juan Ferrando will have a reunion with FC Goa yet again but this time it will be in front of the FC Goa supporters. Having won the last four encounters against the Gaurs, ATK Mohun Bagan hold the high card of getting the three points from this fixture.

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2022-2023