How can Indian Football Team line up against Singapore?

Sunil Chhetri has scored a bulk of his international goals while playing on home soil

The Indian national football team needs to step up and secure all three points on Tuesday when they welcome Singapore to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture as the Blue Tigers shared the spoils courtesy of a late winner by Rahim Ali.

Khalid Jamil’s side are on 2 points from three group games while Singapore are on 5 points. Group leaders Hong Kong are leading the pack with 7 points, which means every game is a must-win for the Blue Tigers from here on.

This is how the Indian football team could line-up as they get ready to step on the field and play an all-important AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Singapore.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The Bengaluru FC player has regained his number one spot from Vishal Kaith under Khalid Jamil. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a few important saves against Singapore last week and he will definitely start against the same opponent on Tuesday.

Right-back: Valpuia

Hmingthanmawia Ralte was brought on as a substitute for Farukh Chaudhary in the reverse fixture after Sandesh Jhingan was sent off in the second half. With the FC Goa player suspended, Valpuia is expected to start as the right-back after the Mumbai City helped his side maintain their shape and composure in the second half.

Centre-back: Rahul Bheke

With Sandesh Jhingan unavailable, Rahul Bheke would have to step up and guide the Indian defence. The player had a decent outing against the Singapore national football team last week and will surely line up in the starting XI once again as his presence brings calm to his side’s backline.

Centre-back: Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali is maturing with every passing game in the national team jersey as his place seems to be a sure shot in the starting XI. The East Bengal player had a decent showing in the reverse fixture, marshalling the backline and also proving to be a threat through set pieces.

Left-back: Muhammed Uvais

The Punjab FC player started against Singapore last week and played the entire 90 minutes for his side. Aside from his defensive responsibilities, Uvais also pushed forwards, creating chances from the left wing.

Central Midfielder: Nikhil Prabhu

The 25-year-old was caught in possession multiple times in the last game and would be itching to deliver a better performance. With Deepak Tangri also available on the bench, Khalid Jamil will have options. However, Nikhil Prabhu would certainly be the favourite to start in the position.

Central Midfielder: Apuia

Lalengmawia Ralte has been one of India’s best midfielders over the last 4-5 years and his absence was felt in the 1-1 draw last week. Apuia can control the tempo of the game, something that the Blue Tigers desperately need. Playing at home, ball possession would be the key to success for Khalid Jamil’s side and Apuia’s inclusion might help India significantly in doing just that.

Also Read: India look to return to winning ways against Singapore in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at home

Right Winger: Naorem Mahesh Singh

The East Bengal player was an unused substitute in the last game as Lallianzuala Chhangte started on the right, but failed to make a significant difference for the Blue Tigers. The Indian head coach will have to pick wisely as Udanta Singh is another option that he can employ on the right.

Left Winger: Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco was not at his best when these two nations collided in Singapore last week. The Mohun Bagan player started strong but faded as the game progressed as he failed to get the better of the opponent’s right back.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Sahal Abdul Samad

The Mohun Bagan Super Giant player came on as a substitute in the second half. While Sahal Abdul Samad failed to put in the decisive passes to his attackers, he did show glimpses of creativity. Farukh Choudhary underperformed in the reverse fixture, hence Sahal would be the favourite to start, this time around.

Striker: Sunil Chhetri

India’s ‘Captain Leader Legend’ is yet to make his mark on the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Sunil Chhetri has scored just one goal, in a friendly game against Maldives since making his international comeback. Rahim Ali did score in the reverse fixture but Khalid Jamil should start with his veteran striker, who comes with a host of experience and has a good track record on Indian soil.

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