IPL 2018: What to expect from the last week of the league stage

As the IPL league stage enters its last week, the tournament has managed to grab the eyeballs of all kinds of audience. Most matches have gone down to the wire, and teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified.

The Delhi Daredevils may have bowed out of the playoffs race, but they can still be party poppers by turning a few results in their favor.

So, as we head into the final week, here are the teams which can still make the two remaining playoff spots:

#1 Kings XI Punjab (12 points from 11 games; NRR -0.05)

The Kings from Punjab had a dream start to this IPL, as a resurgent Ashwin was marvellously leading his troops. But a recent run of torrid form, and an alleged spat within the management have not helped the team's cause.

They have games left against RCB, MI and CSK. Two victories in these three games would put them in a good position to qualify.

The games against RCB and MI would be crucial, as they are virtual 4-pointers with both teams still hoping to make the playoffs. While the Super Kings would want to test their bench strength, KXIP must make the most use of it to earn points. It would also help to win big in order to make the net run rate positive.