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India vs Uzbekistan AFC Asian Cup: Prediction and Preview

India vs Uzbekistan Match Preview

  • Date- 18th January, 2024
  • Kick-off time- 08:00 PM IST
  • Venue- Ahmed bin Ali Stadium

India is all set to face Uzbekistan in their second match of the AFC Asian Cup. After a show of grit against Australia in their first match, India would be looking to turn the tables around with a win. However, the Uzbekistan team has been in superb momentum and form coming into the match. They have not lost a match in eight of their last matches. They are coming to the match after a draw against Syria. Both teams will look for a win to open their winning tally in the tournament.

India vs Uzbekistan Team News

India vs Uzbekistan, AFC Asian Cup,
Sunil Chhetri set to lead India against Uzbekistan (Photo by Getty)

India- India will be missing some of its key players against Uzbekistan. Defender Anwar Ali and winger Ashique Kuruniyan have already been sidelined with long-term injuries. Jeakson Singh, Glan Martins, and Rohit Kumar will also be unavailable for this all-important match. Igor Stimac, the coach of the India national team will have a job on his hands to pick the best possible eleven on Saturday against Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan- Uzbekistan will be without their skipper who will be out of the entire tournament. Eldor Shomurodov, who plays for Serie A side Calligri sustained a leg injury during a group match and will be out of the AFC Asian Cup. It is a big blow for the Uzbekistan side. Katanec would be looking to play his strongest eleven as they are in desperate need of a win.

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India vs Uzbekistan Possible Lineups

India:

  • Goalkeeper– Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
  • Defenders– N. Poojari, S. Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, R. Bheke
  • Midfielders– S. Wangjam, L. Ralte, L. Chhangte, Manvir Singh, A. Thapa
  • Forward– S. Chhetri

Uzbekistan:

  • Goalkeeper– Yusupov
  • Defenders– Khusanov, Eshmurodov, Ashurmatov
  • Midfielders– Turgunboev, Hamrobekov, Shukurov, Sayfiev
  • Forwards– Fayzullaev, Masharipov; Sergeyev

India vs Uzbekistan Head-to-Head

The two teams have come face to face with each other on six occasions before this match. Uzbekistan dominates the rivalry with four wins. India has never beaten the Uzbekistan side. Two matches between the two have ended in a draw.

Prediction

Uzbekistan is predicted to win the match by a scoreline of 1-0 over the Blue Tigers. Many of the players in the Indian side are coming after an injury and besides keeping in mind the form the Uzbekistan National team is in.

Odds for the match

  • India Win- 1.89
  • Uzbekistan win- 2.18
  • Draw- 1.88
  • Odds Source- Oddspedia.com

India vs Uzbekistan Top Players to watch out for

India vs Uzbekistan, AFC Asian Cup,
All eyes will be on Sunil Chhetri and Jaloliddin Masharipov for top performances in India vs Uzbekistan Match (Photo by Getty)

India– Sunil Chhetri is the player to look out for the Indian team. The captain of the team and the player with the most caps and goals for the Blue Tigers. Till now in his career, Chhetri has 93 international goals. He is the heart of the Indian team. Apart from his goalscoring, his positioning in the box is superb. In the Indian Super League, he has scored two goals and two assists in ten matches this season.

Uzbekistan– Jaloliddin Masharipov will be the player to look out for the Uzbekistan side. He is an absolute beast in that forward line for the national team. Sandesh Jhingan would have to be extra wary of the forward in the match.

India vs Uzbekistan Where to watch

  • India -Sports18 1 HD Jio Cinema
  • Uzbekistan: DAZn
  • Middle East: DAZn
  • Spain- Movistar DAZn
  • Germany- DAZN, Amazon Prime, Video ZDF

Ankit Kunwar

Ankit Kunwar works for Sportsdunia as the Content Lead and Social Media Manager. He leads a team of 10-15 freelancers and edits content for the website. Ankit also handles the social media accounts for Sportsdunia.