India vs Malaysia lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Blue Tigers will look to end their year with a victory.

India will take to the field for the final time as they welcome Malaysia to Hyderabad for an international friendly. The Blue Tigers will hope to put everything behind their back and put together a performance to remember in the City of Pearls. They will be keen to secure their first win of the year having failed to do so in ten previous attempts. It will be Manolo Marquez’s fourth game in charge and he will be keen to make this count.

Malaysia on the other hand have enjoyed a much better year in comparison to their counterparts. The Malayan Tigers secured their record thirteenth Merdeka Cup title in September. They have won five games this year, including an away win over Laos in their last outing. Moreover, Malaysia will look to recreate their performance from 13 months ago and get the better of India yet again.

Kick-Off

Monday, November 18, 7:30 PM ISTVenue: Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad

Form

India (in all competitions): D-L-D-L-D

Malaysia (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch 

Farukh Choudhary (India)

Farukh Choudhary will look to make an impact and inspire the Blue Tigers to the first win of 2024. Choudhary scored a crucial equalizer in the last game for India which was also the first-ever goal under Manolo Marquez.

His troublesome pace coupled with his technical brilliance and work rate makes him an important part of the Blue Tigers’ setup. The 28-year-old has already won Manolo Marquez’s trust and will be aiming to build upon it and score some goals for the Blue Tigers.

Safawi Rasid (Malaysia)

Safawi Rasid will be the man to watch out for Malaysia. The 27-year-old will bring his excellent run of form into this game and is expected to cause a lot of damage to the Indian backline. He is a menace up front and possesses a lot of potential danger.

Rasid is the highest active goal scorer for the Malayan Tigers with 22 goals. Malaysia will count upon his goal-scoring instincts and positioning abilities to take them over the line in this game.

Match facts

• This will be the 33rd meeting between the two sides
• The last time India won a game was back in November 2023.
• India’s last win against Malaysia dates back to 2011. 

Injury & Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 32

India wins – 12

Malaysia wins – 12

Draws – 8

Predicted Lineups

India (3-4-3)

Sandhu(GK); Bheke, Jhingan, Ali; Rai, Apuia, Suresh, Roshan; Chhangte, Choudhary, Fernandes

Malaysia (4-3-3)

Hazmi (GK); Davies, Cools, Tan, Ra’op; Laine, Josue, Yahya; Rasid, Ahmad, Hanapi

Prediction for India vs Malaysia

While India have recorded their worst ever performance in a calendar year, Malaysia have had a year full of good memories. However, keeping in mind all the dynamics of this fixture, we expect this game to end in a draw.

Prediction: India 1-1 Malaysia

Telecast for India vs Malaysia

The live coverage of the match will be available on Sports18 and Jio Cinema.

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