India vs Uzbekistan prediction: 3 individuals you can select as captain or vice-captain for today’s AFC Asian Cup match- January 18, 2024.
3 individuals you can select as captain or vice-captain for today’s AFC Asian Cup match- January 18, 2024
On Thursday, January 18, the Blue Tigers will play their second AFC Asian Cup group game against Uzbekistan (UZK) at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Team India (IND), led by Sunil Chhetri, enters this match against Uzbekistan after losing 0-2 to Australia.
Despite keeping the opponents quiet for the first half, India failed to create an impression in the second half, conceding two goals.
They would go back to the drawing board to repair the flaws in their armor and resume their winning ways.
In their first AFC Asian Cup match, Uzbekistan and Syria drew 0-0. Notably, they have not lost a match in their last five encounters, something the Chhetri-led team will be mindful about.
They would be focusing on their first aim of the campaign, putting the opposition on the back foot.
On that topic, here are the three players you may choose as captain or vice-captain for the IND vs UZK AFC Asian Cup 2024 match.
1. Jaloliddin Masharipov (UZK) – 8.5 credits
Jaloliddin Masharipov, an Uzbekistan midfielder, scored 10 goals in 54 national team appearances.
The combo of left winger Masharipov and offensive striker Oston Urunov would provide a threat to the opponents in this encounter.
Nikhil Poojary and Sandesh Jhingan, Indian defenders, will need to be on their toes to prevent these two from scoring. Without a doubt, Masharipov joins this game as a viable multiplier option.
2. Oston Urunov (UZK) – 7.5 credits
Oston Urunov has scored five goals in 21 national appearances. The aggressive striker failed to score in the game against Syria and will be aiming for a good recovery.
Since 2023, the offensive midfielder has scored 12 goals in 27 games for his side Navbahor Namangan, and he is undoubtedly one of the players to watch in this game.
He scored one goal and assisted on another against Turkmenistan in the World Cup Qualifiers in November.
3. Sunil Chhetri (IND) – 9 credits
Sunil Chhetri, India’s finest footballer, will have a stiff task against the opposition goalie, Utkir Yusupov, who is noted for his goal-stopping prowess.
With 93 goals in 146 national appearances, Chhetri will put his best foot forward in this encounter, looking to score the team’s first goal of the season.
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