The Blue Tigers will face their neighbouring country Nepal in yet another International Friendly within a short space of a couple of days.
In their previous match against Nepal on the 2nd of September, India were losing one-nil to their rival due to a goal from Bista in the first 45 minutes that Anirudh Thapa avenged in the second half of the game.
Rahim Ali‘s performance resulted in him being named the player of the match.
Although Thapa hurt his ankle in the last game, he has been deemed fit to play.
Heavy downpour for many days, resulting in a muddy and submerged pitch, has not allowed the Indian team to get enough practice as they would like before the upcoming match.
Key Indian Players
1) Anirudh Thapa
The 23-year-old talented midfielder was the one who came off the bench to provide a 60th-minute equaliser for the losing side, team India, who were down by one goal.
2) Sunil Chhetri
The world-class skipper. A lot is there to look out for in Sunday’s match as Sunil Chhetri will look to avenge previous results by leading and motivating the men in blue towards a win.
3) Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte
The Mumbai City FC player Apuia, who was named as the emerging ISL player, will be pivotal in blocking the Nepalese attackers from pouring forward, which they easily achieved in the first half of the last game.
Key Nepalese Players
1) Kiran Chemjong
Chemjong is the captain of the football team of Nepal and also his country’s second-highest capped player. His experience will prove to be of immense importance going against India, where he played representing Minerva and RoundGlass Punjab FC.
2) Anjan Bista
Centre-forward Anjan Bista will constantly be looking to penetrate Indian defence and convert any opportunity that comes his way.
Predicted Lineups
India – Amrinder Singh (GK), Subhasish Bose, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri (C).
Nepal – Kiran Chemjong (GK) (C), Ananta Tamang, Dinesh Rajbanshi, Ranjit Dhimal, Nitin Thapa, Bishal Rai, Arik Bista, Sunil Bal, Sanjok Rai, Anjan Bista, Nawayug Shrestha.
Predictions
India were the clear favourites to win the previous face-off against Nepal. However, after the draw last match, their chances of securing a win are less likely. Torrential weather and lack of practise before this game could severely affect the Blue Tigers’ play too, even if they are hungry to prove themselves this time. Another draw though not anticipated, is expected.
Match Facts
Venue – Dashrath Stadium, Tripureshwar, Kathmandu
Time – 17:15 IST
Telecast – The Indian Football Team’s official Facebook page.
Follow our website for the latest updates on Indian Football.