India will look to bounce back from their opening-day loss to Australia against a tough Uzbekistan side also seeking their first win in the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
IND vs UZK Match Details
Date: Thursday, 18 January 2024
Time: 17:30 (AST) / 20:00 (IST)
Venue: Al-Rayyan Stadium, Al-Rayyan
IND vs UZK Match Preview
India put up a remarkable defensive show against 25th-ranked Australia but had nothing to show for it as they conceded a 2-0 loss. The Blue Tigers held the Socceroos at half-time before going down in the second half and could have managed a different outcome had Sunil Chhetri’s header gone in early in the match. Despite the defeat, there was a lot of positive to take away from the result including preventing a thrashing which will aid the goal difference in the remaining group games. Igor Stimac’s side will return to the same venue to face another higher-ranked opposition in Uzbekistan who despite a goalless draw against Syria will produce a tough fight. India will wish for a positive outcome in their second group game to stay in contention for the knockouts. However, they have to unearth their best against an opposition they have yet to win in six meetings. Avoiding another defeat will be the main focus here ahead of a do-or-die clash against Syria in the final group game.
Uzbekistan also failed to get off to a winning start in the Asian Cup 2023 after a goalless stalemate with Syria and a second consecutive draw for the team. The team created a plethora of opportunities but couldn’t find a finishing touch to them as star striker Eldor Shomurodov’s absence was felt. The Central Asian nation still earned a point, keeping their first clean sheet since March 2023, which extended their unbeaten run to five games. Having not lost since facing September last year or to a lower-ranked opposition since 2021, Srecko Katanec’s players will be confident of picking up their first victory in the Asian Cup 2023 against India. This will be the first meeting between the pair since 2001. The Blue Tigers have collected just one win in the last five games which might play into the Uzbek’s hand as they look for a consecutive last-16 appearance in the competition. Uzbekistan will be looking to avoid another share of spoil considering they face leaders Australia in the final group game.
IND vs UZK Recent Form (all competitions)
IND: LLWLL
UZK: DDWWD
IND vs UZK Recent Form (Asian Cup)
IND: L
UZK: D
IND vs UZK Team News
India are still without Sahal Abdul Samad for the second group stage game with him racing against time to get fit to feature in the competition for a brief moment if possible. There are also other players carrying issues from the Australia game but Igor Stimac declined to reveal their names. Changes will be made from the opener with the team willing to be more prevalent in attack this time.
On the other hand, Uzbekistan suffered another injury blow with Hojiakbar Alijonov side-lined after picking up an injury in the draw against Syria. Roma striker, on loan at Cagliari, Eldor Shomurodov and Husniddin Alikulov are already out of the tournament without kicking a ball due to injuries.
IND vs UZK Predicted Lineups
IND: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Deepak Tangri, Apuia; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Mahesh Singh; Sunil Chhetri
Check out here India squad for AFC Asian Cup 2023
UZK: Utkir Yusupov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; Sherzod Nasrulloev, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Igor Sergeev, Jaloliddin Masharipov; Oston Urunov
IND vs UZK Head to Head
Played - 6
IND won - 0
Drawn - 2
UZK won - 4
IND vs UZK Dream11 Team Prediction
India will face another tough battle in the second group game against Uzbekistan but they could play out a draw if not a victory in this fixture.
IND vs UZK Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Sunil Chhetri
Vice-captain Picks: Sandesh Jhingan, Otavek Shukurov
Others: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes
Our top pick for the IND vs UZK dream11 team is Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan.
IND vs UZK Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Gurpreet (8)
DEF: Bheke (8), Jhingan (8.5), Sayfiev (8.5)
MID: Chhangte (9), Shukurov (9), Apuia (7.5), Brandon (8.5)
FW: Sergeev (9), Chhetri (9), Masharipov (8.5)
Captain: Sunil Chhetri
Vice-captain: Sandesh Jhingan
