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An acid test awaits the Indian football team as they get ready to face a higher-ranked Oman side in the away leg of AFC qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup today. India is without a win in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far, losing even to lower-ranked Guam. A lot of pressure has been piling up on the players and coach Stephen Constantine, who replaced former coach Wim Kovermans earlier this year
Oman, are not only ranked 102nd in FIFA rankings, but they also previously emerged 2-1 victorious in the first leg in Bangalore. The Asian giants are high on confidence after holding the continent's highest-ranked team, Iran, to a 1-1 draw on October 8 at home.
On top of that, the Indians are short on practice as they have lost at least a day's training, after being stranded in Ashgabat, due to non-availability of flights, after their 1-2 loss to Turkmenistan. Against Oman, the Indian defence will be key as the skeleton of the back four was exposed in the first leg in June.
Qasim Said will be the man to watch for the Indian defence today. In the first leg, he was the one who put Oman ahead right in the opening minute of the match. Then a needless tackle inside the box saw India concede a penalty which was converted by Imad Al Hosni in the 40th minute.
The Indian defence will be under a lot of scrutiny and the back four have to perform really well today in order to at least salvage a point from Oman.
Telecast Details
Date and Time: Tuesday, 13th October 2015 – 2000 IST
Venue: Al-Seeb Stadium, Seeb
Live Telecast: The match will be broadcast on SONY SIX HD and SONY KIX, with online live streaming in India on Liv Sports.
The official twitter handle of the AIFF and Sportskeeda will be providing live updates throughout the match.
Team News
Star midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh will be missing the game today for the Indian side as he is suspended after picking up two yellow cards whereas there will be a big boost for the Oman side with star striker Amad Al-Hosni all fit to lead the attacking front for the home side. The 31-year-old scored in the first leg when Oman faced India this year.
Coach Constantine will now have to shuffle his team, looking for a solution. Against Oman, Constantine will stick to his 4-4-1-1 formation which might change to 5-4-1 in order to barricade the goal, if the situation demands.
The attacking pair of Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua should remain unchanged. Francis Fernandes played against Turkmenistan, being substituted in the 79th minute. His place should be contested by Jackichand Singh and Bikash Jairu, the latter who replaced Fernandes in the last match
Pronay Halder sat out the last game and his fresh legs could be an asset for the side. Borges was a substitute for Sehnaj Singh in their previous qualifier and he will be hopeful of earning a starting berth for his country as well.
Sandesh Jhingan and Arnab Mondal have not been up to the mark for the Indians in defence in the last few matches. It won't be a surprise to see defender in Aiborlang Khongejee added to the mix amongst the duo, though Constantine may dislike such a defensive approach.
Narayan Das was replaced at the left-back slot by Lalchhawnmawia at the start of the second half in the last game and should retain his berth. Rino Anto should also replace Pritam Kotal from the last game at right-back.
Meanwhile for the Oman side, Ali Al Habsi who is one of the most experience players in the team will start in goal, along with Saad and Ahmed Salam Al-Mukhaini who have 126 caps combined between themselves In the heart of the Oman defense. Ahmed Mubarak, the midfield maestro with over 127 caps to his name alone, will take the responsibility of the team’s midfield along with Qasim Said and Raed Ibrahim in attack and defense respectively.
Probable lineups
Oman (4-4-2): Ali Al-Habsi; Al-Busaidi, Abdul Salam Al-Mukhaini, Mohammed Al-Musalami, Saad Suhail; Qasim Said, Eid Al-Farsi, Ahmed Mubarak Al-Mahaijri, Raed Ibrahim Saleh; Saud Al-Farsi, Amad Al-Hosni
India (4-2-3-1): Gurpreet Singh Sandu; Dhanachandra Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal; Jackichand Singh, Rowlin Borges; Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Francis Fernandes; Jeje Lalpekhlua
Team Form
Oman
Result of last three fixtures: D-W-D
Result of last game: Oman 1-1 Iran
India
- Result of last three fixtures: D-L-L
- Result of last game: India 1-2 Turkmenistan
Prediction
Oman are a tough side to play against, especially at their home, as is evident by the fact that they held the continent’s top-ranked team Iran to a 1-1 draw. The gulf between the two sides is clearly noticeable and the last time India played Oman in Oman was in 2012 when they were defeated 5-1. The home team are the favorites for this match unless we see an inspiring performance by the young Indian team to upset all odds.
With Lyngdoh missing from today’s match, it would provide an ideal stage for players like Bikash Jairu and Jackichand Singh to capitalize on.
Predicted score: Oman 3-1 India
Betting Odds
Oman: 1/10
India: 12/1
Draw: 6/1
