Gokulam Kerala in pole position to claim first I-League title in three-way race - Watch live streaming
Title contenders Gokulam Kerala and TRAU FC face-off in a must-win match in the final league game while Churchill Brothers need a big win vs Punjab FC.
The three-way title race of I-League 2020-21 will be decided on the final matchweek as Gokulam Kerala, Churchill Brothers and TRAU FC all battle for top honours.
All three teams are on 26 points ahead of the final match of Group A, or the championship group.
Gokulam Kerala lead the points table on the basis of their superior head-to-head record against both Churchill Brothers and TRAU FC.
Gokulam Kerala had lost 3-2 against Churchill Brothers in their Phase I encounter but won 3-0 in Phase II, giving them a 5-3 aggregate score. They had also beaten TRAU FC 3-1 in their Phase I match.
Gokulam Kerala will now face TRAU FC in their final league match and need a victory against the Manipuri team to claim their maiden I-League title.
Even if the Gokulam Kerala vs TRAU FC match ends in a draw, the former can still win the title if Churchill Brothers lose their final league game against Punjab FC. These encounters can be seen via live streaming on Saturday (March 27).
How TRAU FC and Churchill Brothers can win I-League
At present, second-placed TRAU FC have to win against Gokulam Kerala to have any chance of winning the title.
In case both TRAU FC and Churchill Brothers win on the final day, the Imphal-based TRAU are better placed to win the title.
TRAU drew both their games against Churchill Brothers 1-1, giving neither any clear advantage on that front. However, TRAU have a goal difference of +11 compared to Churchill Brothers +4 and will have to ensure that they stay ahead on that count.
For Churchill Brothers, the scenario depends on the outcome of the Gokulam Kerala vs TRAU FC encounter and they will hope for either a draw or a TRAU FC victory.
If Gokulam Kerala win against TRAU FC, Churchill Brothers do not have a chance.
If that match ends in a draw and Churchill Brothers win against Punjab FC, Churchill Brothers win the title.
However, if TRAU FC win against Gokulam Kerala, Churchill Brothers will have to ensure that they win by a big margin to surpass TRAU FC’s goal difference.
In case both teams are tied on both head-to-head and goal difference, then the team that has scored more goals will win the title. TRAU FC have scored 26 goals thus far, while Churchill Brothers have scored 19.
Both matches – Gokulam Kerala vs TRAU FC and Churchill Brothers vs RoundGlass Punjab FC - kick off at 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) at different grounds on Saturday, adding to the drama.
Where to watch the I-League live?
Football fans in India can watch the telecast of the I-League live, including Gokulam Kerala FC vs TRAU FC and Churchill Brothers FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC, on the 1Sports TV channel.
Live streaming of I-League will be on the 1Sports Facebook page.
I-League 2020-21 final matchweek schedule and start times
All times are Indian Standard Time (IST)
Thursday, March 25
NEROCA FC vs Chennai City FC – 2:00 PM IST
Aizawl FC vs Sudeva Delhi FC – 4:05 PM IST
Real Kashmir FC vs Mohammedan Sporting – 7:00 PM IST
Saturday, March 27
Churchill Brothers FC vs RoundGlass Punjab FC – 5:00 PM IST
Gokulam Kerala FC vs TRAU FC – 5:00 PM IST
Lead photo: I-League Media