Australia vs India: Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction of AFC Asian Cup 2023 clash

The last time India defeated Australia was way back in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

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Asia’s most high profile football tournament, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will get underway tomorrow at the home of the defending Asian champions Qatar. The first match will be played between the home side and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium.

On January 12, India will lock horns with 2022 FIFA World Cup RO16 participants Australia in the first match of Group B at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. The Blue Tigers will face a tough test from the Socceroos to begin their AFC Asian Cup journey.

On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the big clash.

Kick Off

January 13, Saturday, 5:30 PM IST

January 13, Saturday, 11:00 PM ACT

January 13, Saturday, 12:00 PM GMT

Form

Australia: W-W-W-W-L

India: L-W-L-L-L

Players to watch

Mathew Ryan (Australia)

Australia’s skipper Mathew Ryan will have a huge role to play in his side’s opening game. Ryan is the most-capped Australian player in the current squad and will look to help his team with his experience. He hasn’t conceded a goal since October, 2023 and will be keen to add more such amazing feats to his tally.

Sunil Chhetri (India)

Sunil Chhetri will play his record third AFC Asian Cup for India and will hope he makes this one memorable. The 39-year-old forward has aged like fine wine and there’s no stopping him. Chhetri is the third-highest active goal-scorer in international football with 93 goals to his name for India. He is also India’s most capped player with 145 international caps. 

Match facts

• The last time India won against Australia was way back in 1956 in the Melbourne Olympics.
• Australia have scored 12 goals in their last four games.
• Australia made it to the quarter-finals while India finished third in their group in the previous AFC Asian Cup.
• Australia won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015.
• India finished as runners-up in AFC Asian Cup 1964.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection going into the first game.

Predicted Line-up

Australia Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)

Mathew Ryan (C) (GK); Gethin Jones, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin; Mitchell Duke, Samuel Silvera

India Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Suresh Singh, Apuia; Naorem Mahesh Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Lallianzuala Chhangte; Sunil Chhetri (C)

Match Prediction for Australia vs India

Australia come into the AFC Asian Cup as the favourites to win Group B. They are very strong and will undoubtedly come out all guns blazing. India have struggled with injuries to key players in the build-up to the Asian Cup, but can still present a tough fight.

Prediction: Australia 2-0 India 

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Telecast

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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