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

Both India and Uzbekistan will be eyeing a win in this AFC Asian Cup 2023 clash.

Click here to get Live Updates: India vs Uzbekistan

After a heartbreaking defeat in their opening 2023 AFC Asian Cup game, India will look to present a tough fight against Uzbekistan. The Blue Tigers will want to forget their first game and go all-out in the upcoming encounter.

But, standing in their way will be the formidable Uzbekistan side who are the second-strongest side in the group after Australia. The White Wolves come into this game after a 0-0 draw against Syria in their first match and will be keen to get their first win of the campaign.

Kickoff

January 18, 2024 20:00 IST

January 18, 2024 19:30 GMT+5

Form

India (in all competitions) L-L-W-L-L

Uzbekistan (in all competitions) D-W-W-D-W

Players to watch 

Sandesh Jhingan (India) 

Sandesh Jhingan was undoubtedly India’s best player in their opening game against the Socceroos. Jhingan put his body on the line and blocked everything that came his way. He fought like a warrior on the pitch and gave Australia’s attackers a very tough time. Sandesh single-handedly denied Australia from scoring a few goals too.

Rustam Ashurmatov (Uzbekistan)

Rustam dropped a masterclass in his side’s opening game against Syria. The defender was Uzbekistan’s best player on the night and played a crucial role in keeping a clean-sheet. The 27-year-old centre-back is known for his passing attributes and his presence in the air. He will surely present a tough challenge for India.

Match facts

• India will face Uzbekistan for the first time since 2001
• Uzbekistan have never lost a game against India
• This will only be the second meeting between the two sides at the AFC Asian Cup

Injury and Team News

Sahal Abdul Samad has started training on the pitch with the ball but his inclusion into the line-up is still a doubt. Akash Mishra had received an injury while training but he is likely to get fit on time. Amrinderd Singh & Lallianzuala Chhangte were not present in the training too. Uzbekistan are expected to field a fully fit squad.

Igor Stimac hints changes to the lineup against Uzbekistan!Live from the press conference!#IndianFootball #AsianCup2023 #AsianCup #INDvUZB pic.twitter.com/Rc882LAQ50

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) January 17, 2024

Head-to-head

Total matches played – 6

India wins – 0

Uzbekistan wins – 4

Draws – 2

Predicted Line-up

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

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Deepak Tangri, Apuia; Naorem Mahesh Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco; Sunil Chhetri

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

Utkir Yusupov (GK); Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; Khojiakbar Alijonov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Khojimat Erkinov, Jaloliddin Masharipov; Oston Urunov

Prediction for India vs Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan are undefeated in their last eight games and have won five of those. They are certainly high on confidence while India on the other hand have lost four out of their last five games. But considering India’s performance against Australia, we predict this game will end as a draw.

Prediction: India 1-1 Uzbekistan

Predict AFC Asian Cup match results and win prizes on stake.com

Telecast for India vs Uzbekistan

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Uzbekistan – MTRK

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

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.