India's predicted lineup for Syria clash in Intercontinental Cup 2024

India have won two Intercontinental Cups to date, the most by any nation in the tournament’s history.

The fourth edition of the Intercontinental Cup, a four-nation football event organized by the All-India Football Federation, is already underway and is left with its final game to decide the winner of this edition.

For the first time, the competition has switched from a quartet to a three-nation format. The event is being contested by India, the host country, Mauritius, members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Syria, representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

India are currently placed second in the table after sharing the spoils from their only game against Mauritius which ended in a stalemate.

Syria holds the top spot from their win against Mauritius ending the latter’s hopes for a comeback. On September 9, 2024, India will be taking on Syria in the final game of the Intercontinental Cup 2024 at the Gachibowli in Hyderabad. While it’s a must-win game for India to lift the trophy for the third time, even a decent draw will fetch Syria their maiden crown.

As we inch closer to the deciding face-off at the iconic venue, let us have a look at the probable lineup of the Blue Tigers ahead of the crucial tie. We at Khel Now will be anticipating the Indian football team’s (4-2-3-1 formation) starting lineup against Syria.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Syria has a great ability to exploit the wings when crosses come in from the opposition half, emphasizing the crucial role that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu plays under the crossbar.

Sandhu is a vital member of the Indian football team because of his ability to neutralize threats provided by aerial delivery and his commanding presence. He is a resilient custodian. Gurpreet’s constantly good performance throughout has made him Manolo Marquez’s first choice alike other managers in the past.

Right Back: Ashish Rai

The high-flying Mohun Bagan Super Giant full-back’s blasting runs down the right wing will be the tactician’s hope. Rai will be an invaluable weapon for Marquez’s Blue Tigers because of his dual-threat, which consists of his ability to dribble past opponents and use straight passes and crosses to put pressure on the defenders.

He is also a player who is effective defensively off the ball and can pose some serious threat to the Syrian wingers roaming on the flanks.

Centre Back: Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke, the hybrid defender for Bengaluru FC, is anticipated to be one of the best makeshift players on the roster. Although Bheke’s speed on the cover is impressive, his frequent use at center-back has also enhanced his physical and aerial abilities against attackers, enabling him to match the quickest attackers in the game especially while playing against a team like Syria.

The Blue Tigers will benefit from his extensive experience competing against elite opponents on both Indian and Asian platforms.

Centre Back: Chinglensana Singh

Being a strong center-back, Chinglensana Singh is destined to be a mainstay in the Indian defense for many years to come. In the Indian Football circuit, everyone saw his steady progress.

Alongside Rahul Bheke, the Bengaluru FC defender will be in charge of defending the defensive third against Syria.

Left Back: Subhasish Bose

For some time now, Subhasish Bose has shown that he can move between the left-sided center-back and fullback positions with ease and is skilled in both. His left-back position will benefit more from his dexterity under Manolo Marquez because the Blue Tigers will depend heavily on his mobility both on and off the ball.

His ability to win defensive duels and fly forward on overlaps or underlaps, especially during transitions and counterattacks might prove to be beneficial for the Blue Tigers in the crucial tie.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Apuia

Apuia is the midfield player that can defeat pressure waves, pull the strings for the attack, and serve as a defensive screen for his team in the middle of the park. Apuia may prove to be a dangerous box-to-box midfield player for Manolo Marquez’s team if he starts in that position.

His new propensity to try penetrating passes and make late runs into the box has been a nice departure from his previous penchant for constantly searching for a safe pass laterally or backward.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Jeakson Singh

As opposed to Apuia, who will be assuming a new position, Jeakson Singh is a front-runner to play central defensive midfielder.

Aside from showing off his amazing speed, covering ground, and winning tackles, playing next to Apuia might also allow him to serve as a deep-lying playmaker. However, to assist their team advance up the pitch and prevent giving up control in crucial places, both destroyers should act decisively, and have a good first touch.

Right Midfielder: Lallianzuala Chhangte

The much-loved “Mizo Flash” and AIFF Player of the Year 2023–24 winner will now have to carry more responsibility. As a key player in the Intercontinental Cup final versus Syria, Chhangte will need to behave more responsibly.

In addition, he must make use of his signature quickness, finishing touch, and superb dribbling to assist the Blue Tigers in replacing the absence of former captain Sunil Chhetri.

Attacking Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa

When Anirudh Thapa is in form, one of the most versatile midfielders in India is practically unplayable. To prevent Syrian orchestrators from having any room to maneuver, the trequartista must maintain his distance. The midfielder appears to have little trouble finding a teammate in an inconvenient position and swerving around defenders.

Thapa, playing as a number 10, will have a little issue getting past defenses and, at the same time, be crucial during changes behind Manvir Singh. It would be interesting to see how he performs in comparison to Syria’s midfield.

Left Midfielder: Liston Colaco

Despite drawing criticism for his wasted opportunities, the left winger has been a vital member of his team. He can pose threat to any team with his speed, direct dribbling, and explosive shot power, and having trained under his old coach will undoubtedly give him an advantage in playing in Indian colours.

Under Manolo Marquez, Colaco can find his form again, but he needs to improve if he wants to secure a long-term position under the Spanish coach. In the game that must be won, his synergy with Anirudh Thapa may potentially prove to be a crucial talking point.

Striker: Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh is used to playing as the target man at both the club and national levels, even though he likes to play as a right-sided winger.

The lean, quick attacker possesses the balance needed to be a striker skilled at hold-up play, and his close control allows him to escape difficult situations when under duress. He will be in charge of giving the Blue Tigers’ offensive third their best possible effect.

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