Just 2 months after their 2019 Asia Cup pre-qualifier against Laos, the Indian National team will be back in action, this time in Bhutan’s valleys of Raidak for an unofficial friendly. For the Blue tigers, this may seem a match of no significance, but it is massive for the hosts. The football match will be played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Chang Lam, Thimphu which boasts a capacity of 25,000.
Thimphu is the third highest capital city in the world and conditions are far from ideal. In order to be well prepared for the encounter, the Indian team arrived well in advance and have had a few fruitful training sessions.
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Coach Stephen Constantine did not seem particularly worried about the conditions though, “We have settled down quite well. The weather has not been too bad but the altitude is a little bit of an issue as it takes a few days to get used too. But we are coping well so far”, he said.
“The first two days we did double sessions but are having single sessions now as the game approaches,” he added.
The Indian squad will be without quite a few of their star players as both Bengaluru FC and East Bengal players will be missing after their parent clubs refused to release players from their pre-season training camp. This has provided Stephen Constantine a chance to blood young guns.
Probable Playing XI for India
Constantine is expected to divert from his preferred 4-2-3-1 for a much more offensive 4-3-3 formation. Subrata Paul, although a part of the squad is not expected to play a part in the game. TP Rehenesh is expected to take the gloves with Laxmikant Kattimani to be on standby.
With Sandesh Jhingan and Khongjee expected to play in the centre of defence, Cardozo will be used as a full-back along with Konsham Singh.
India’s strength lies in their midfield. Rowlin Borges and Pronay Halder have had outstanding seasons for both club and country and will be the heart of the midfield along with David Lalrinmuana. 19-year-old Lallianzuala Chhangte, one of India’s youngest scorers is expected to occupy his favourite right wing position while the opposite flank will be under the command of Jackichand Singh, the man who scored the second fastest goal in ISL history.
Jeje Lalpekhlua off the back of a successful AFC Cup is quite a veteran in the Indian ranks and will play up front. For Bhutan, this match is anything but a friendly. With a 2 legged Asian Cup pre-qualifier coming up against Bangladesh, Bhutan will be looking to boost their confidence with a win.
Bhutan have been on the rise in the past few years and could pose the young Indian team some problems. Coming off back to back wins against Sri Lanka,they would be looking to set their record against India straight. They have lost 5 times in a row to the Blue Tigers.
Probable Playing XI for Bhutan
Although ranked 192 in the world, Bhutan have good players who can more than just test India. One of them being 20-year-old striker Chencho Gyeltshen. Bhutan have generally opted for 4-2-3-1 formation and are expected to stick to the same.
The defence composed of Lhendup Dorji,Chimi Dorji, Dawa Tshering and Bahadur Gurung have plenty of international experienceIn midfield, the players to watch out for would be creative midfielder Tshering Dorji who along with skipper Karma Tshering will form the heart of the Bhutan midfield.
Chencho Gyeltshen will spearhead the attack with support from Tshering Wangdi, Biren Basnet and Diwash Subba. Coach Constantine is optimistic about his young team’s chances. He told Bhutanese media, "I expect to win. Even if I’m playing against Brazil, I would still say the same because it is all about winning. You respect the opponent, as we do with Bhutan but, at the end of the day you play to win and not to lose,"
He added, "Things are moving in the right direction for Bhutan. It is difficult given the population size of Bhutan and the limited resources, but the team has done very well and there is still room for improvement."
Time
The game which is expected to be a cracker kicks off at 3:30 PM IST on 13th August, Saturday.
Live Stream Information
Live Stream Link : http://www.the-aiff.com/live_match.htm
We will be doing a live blog for the game as well. The link for the same will be uploaded soon.
Bhutan vs India Squads
India
Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, T.P Rehenesh, Laxmikant Kattimani.
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Fluganco Cardozo, Chinglesana Konsham Singh, Aiborlang Khongjee, Koushik Sarkar.
Midfielders: Isaac Chhakchhuak, Rowlin Borges, Dhanpal Ganesh, David Lalrinmuana, Vinit Rai, Germanpreet Singh, Pronoy Halder, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jackichand Singh.
Forwards: Halicharan Narzary, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi.
Bhutan
Goalkeepers: Gurung, Dendup, Gyeltshen
Defenders: P.Dorji, C.Dorji, D.Gyeltshen, K.Nidup, D.Biswa, M.Gurung, J.Dorjee
Midfielders: Tshering Dorji, K. Tshering, T. Dorji, S. Phuntsho, K. Gyeltshen, K. Gurung, D. Tshering
Attackers: T. Wangdi, L. Dawa, K. Wangd, B. Basnet, U. Dorji, D. Subba, L. Dorji, C. Gyeltshen, S. Tobgay
