India vs Qatar: How should Indian U23 team line up for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?

India thrashed Bahrain in the opening qualifying fixture to begin on a victorious note.

The Indian U23 team dominated the headlines after their incredible performance against Bahrain in their opening match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Blue Colts passed their first assignment with ease. Now they have a tougher test awaiting. India will play against Qatar in the upcoming qualifying fixture on September 6.

Against Bahrain, Naushad Moosa’s team was on a roll. The rollicking Indian boys had to face torrid, hot Qatar weather, but they did not shy away from raising the temperature with their stellar performance. It was a collective team effort where each player contributed. In this article, we will look into the predicted starting XI against the hosts Qatar.

Also Read: India U23 second in Group H after thrashing Bahrain in opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifying fixture

India U23 Predicted XI vs Qatar

Sahil (GK)

Sahil is expected to keep his place between the sticks for India U23 against Qatar. The young custodian had a great game against Bahrain. He looked jittery at the start, but those jitters were nowhere to be seen as the match progressed.

Ricky Meetei

Ricky Meetei had an impactful game in the right-back position. He had to face the pressure from Bahrain forwards but kept a calm head. Not just in defence, Ricky also contributed going forward on the pitch. India will require their right-back to step up against Qatar as well.

Bikash Yumnam

India’s captain was the rock at the back in the first qualifying fixture. Bahrain could not breach the Indian defensive unit marshalled by Bikash Yumnam. He was physically assertive and ran the show in the backline. The responsibility lies again on the skipper to lead his team against the group favourites.

Pramveer

The young Punjab FC centre back stole the show in defence. He was the best player on India’s half of the pitch. Pramveer looked comfortable on the ball and conducted the play from the back, linking up with the midfielders to progress the ball. He will have to counter a more potent attack against Qatar. It will be a great opportunity for Pramveer to establish his potential.

Harsh Palande

Harsh Palande’s journey to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers has been inspiring. He made his way into the team through trials, and the way he showed up in the opening game was remarkable. Palande’s role will be crucial in the Indian defence going ahead in the tournament.

Lalrinliana Hnamte

Lalrinliana Hnamte will definitely start again for India. He was the key component of India’s midfield against Bahrain. His presence made sure the game was under control in the centre of the park for India. He was brilliant in the role of a box-to-box midfielder. The Indian coach will expect the same from him against Qatar.

Lalremtluanga Fanai

Lalremtluanga Fanai’s maturity shone on the pitch on Wednesday. The experience that he has gained after playing in the Indian Super League came in handy for India. Fanai acted as the shield for the backline. He disrupted multiple budding attacks in the midfield. The passing was another aspect where he excelled. The young technician would be eager to prove himself against the hosts.

Macarton Louis Nickson

The Highlander dominated the grass in Doha in the match against Bahrain. Macarton Louis Nickson was one of the major reasons why India steamrolled the opposition. In the attacking midfield, it was Macarton who played an instrumental role in creating chances. The Indian forwards will once again expect the same service from him in the next game.

Muhammed Suhail

This lad was the main architect of India’s memorable win on Wednesday. Till the time he was on the pitch, he wreaked havoc on Bahrain’s left-back. The goal that he scored was a masterpiece, and the fans are still not over it. Suhail will have all the limelight after a mind-boggling performance. He will be the centre of attraction on India’s right wing.

Mohammed Sanan

The Jamshedpur FC winger will feature on the left wing for India. Sanan would have added motivation to make the most of the opportunity against Qatar. In the last game, he missed out on registering his name on the scoresheet. His goal was declared offside but he would make sure in the Qatar game no offside flag is raised and he completes his celebration.

Parthib Gogoi

Parthib Gogoi deserves plaudits for his last outing. The NorthEast United young sensation is playing as a striker, which is not his natural position. He did well to adapt to his new role. His hold-up play allowed other players to be involved in the attack. But Gogoi would be desperate to open his goal-scoring account in the qualifiers.

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