AFC Asian Cup 2023: India will kickstart their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign against tournament-favourites Australia in a blockbuster Group B fixture. The result of the fixture will shape the path of India's run in the tournament ahead as they sit in a very tough group to qualify from. Many experts have labelled the fixture as a 'David Vs Goliath' match India stand as minnows in front of the mighty Aussies.
India's Starting XI Preview
The Blue Tigers are walking in the fixture with an aeroplane formation of 4-2-3-1 with a proper number 10 in floating second striker role if needed. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu gets a nod ahead of Amrinder Singh of Odhisa FC in goal as the Bengaluru FC keeper has been impressive as of late.
The back four will consist of right back Nikhil Poojari (Hyderabad FC), centre backs Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa) and Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City FC), and left back Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG). Sandesh Jhingan will be talisman at the back and will be expected to be the enforcer in commanding and leading counters with his threating lofted passing ability.
Lalengmawia (Mumbai City FC), Deepak Tangri (Mohun Bagan SG) will be pairing up as the defensive midfielders of the team keeping in mind the inside cutting and dribbling ability of Martin Boyle and Craig Goodiwn. This further allows defense to trust more on possession based football and will give Indian wingers more freedom to roam and flank on the wings.
Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC) will be on the left wing, to be partnered by Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan SG) on the right wing, with Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC) in number 10 role behind Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) who leads the attacking line.