India vs Bangladesh lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Bengal Tigers have failed to register a win against the Blue Tigers in their last five meetings.

The Indian football team kicks off their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers round 3 campaign when they host neighbors Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Tuesday (25 March).

The Blue Tigers will be eager to open their qualifiers campaign with a dominant win. While the Bengal Tigers will be eyeing to spoil their party with a positive result to kick off their campaign with three crucial points.

The Stakes

India

Manolo Marquez’s side will be keen to win their home matches in the group stages of the qualifiers to win the group. With AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification now being a priority for the Blue Tigers, it’s quintessential for them to begin their qualification journey in emphatic fashion. They are facing a side well below them in the FIFA rankings charts but who could arguably be their biggest threat towards winning this group.

That is why it’s even more important for the Indian players to play their most clinical, efficient football against the Bengal Tigers. Marquez will urge his players to not only maintain their defensive fortitude, but also hit the visitors with blistering transitions and finish off chances clinically.

A big win for India can be a huge momentum booster for the players and help them buy into Marquez’s system. A draw or loss, however, will cause question marks over the capability of the unit to come up once again.

Bangladesh

The Bengal Tigers are actually set to play their first match of 2025 in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 opener against India but are coming off a pretty decent end to 2024. They won three of their four games last year, albeit two of them being hybrid friendlies. Bangladesh will be aiming to show their progression and qualities by frustrating the Indian players.

They’ve been bolstered by the arrival of Hamza Choudhury, whom the fans believe brings some much-needed drive and energy to their side. A draw might not be the worst result for Bangladesh, but a narrow win can significantly bolster their chances of winning the group. A bad loss, however, can be particularly crushing for the team morale.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about the Bangladesh Football Team

Team & Injury News

India will be missing Brandon Fernandes, who has had to drop out of the squad because of the injury he sustained against the Madives. Udanta Singh and Macarton Louis Jackson have joined the Blue Tigers squad ahead of this game.

Bangladesh will have a fully-fit squad for this big game against India.

Head-to-Head

Played – 31

India wins – 16

Bangladesh wins – 3

Draws – 12

Probable Lineups

India (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Rahul Bheke, Valpuia, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ayush Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco, Sunil Chhetri

Bangladesh (4-3-3)

Mitul Marma (GK), Md Saad Uddin, Shakil Hossan, Topu Barman, Isa Faysal, Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy, Jamal Bhuyan, Al-Amin, Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon

Players to Watch

Liston Colaco (India)

The Mohun Bagan attacker is heading into the game against Bangladesh on the back of some blistering form following his heroics against the Maldives. Colaco scored his first-ever goal for the Blue Tigers and also provided an assist as India won its first game in 489 days.

Liston is oozing confidence right now, having the fearlessness to constantly make darting run down the left flank into the key areas. After managing five goal contributions during the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Colaco’s form seems to be peaking at the right moment.

He’ll look to be a nightmare for the Bangladeshi defenders with his smart dribbles down the left flank and constantly keep driving his side forward. Colaco will also look to be decisive with his crosses or final passes, ensuring they can find their targets in the box. Liston will be eager to keep driving shots at the goal to test the opposition keeper and amplify his side’s goal-scoring threat in this big game.

Hamza Choudhury (Bangladesh)

All eyes will be on the appearance of Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury for this upcoming game between India and Bangladesh. The game will be the 27-year-old’s official debut for the Bengal Tigers and one which he’ll be determined to make a memorable one for the fans.

Choudhury is expected to play in that deeper midfield role, but will probably try to be a bit more adventurous with his forward runs and try to dictate the creative side of his team’s attacking pattern. He will look to add steel and energy to his side’s midfield, winning the key duels and also shielding his backline from any threat.

Choudhury will look to block out India’s options through the central areas and aim to win back possession in key areas to spark the counter-attacks.

Did You Know?

• India have only won one of their last five international meetings against the Bangladesh football team.
• Hamza Choudhury made seven appearances for England’s under-21 side, but will make his senior debut for Bangladesh.
• Sunil Chhetri scored his 95th goal for India at the international stages against the Maldives. He has a better goals per match ratio (0.63) than Cristiano Ronaldo (0.62).

Telecast Details

The AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers clash between India and Bangladesh will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Tuesday (25 March). The match will kick off at 7 PM IST. It will be shown live on Star Sports 3 and also streamed live on JioHotstar.

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