India vs Jordan: How could the Blue Tigers lineup in the international friendly?

It will be the Indian team’s final preparatory match ahead of the AFC Asian Cup third round qualifiers next month in Kolkata.

Indian team's training session in a file photo; Credit: Twitter/@IndianFootball
By Sreejith C R | May 27, 2022 | 6 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Indian national team will take on Jordan in an international friendly at the Qatar SC Stadium on Saturday. It will be the Indian team’s final preparatory match ahead of the AFC Asian Cup third round qualifiers next month in Kolkata. Although the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had also arranged a match against Zambia on May 25, it was called off due to various reasons. Head coach Igor Stimac is likely to deploy the same starting eleven which will play against Cambodia on June 8 as it will be their final international match before the qualifiers. The team has been preparing for over a month, training in Bellary first and then in Kolkata. The Blue Tigers have a FIFA ranking of 106 while their opponents are 15 places above them. Meanwhile Sunil Chhetri’s return from injury would be a boost to the team. Let us have a look at how India would line up against Jordan. 

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India probable Line-up

Goalkeeper- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Gurpreet singh Sandhu has been the first choice goalkeeper for the Blue Tigers for some time now and he is likely to continue in between the posts. The Bengaluru FC custodian didn’t have a great ISL last season as he managed to keep just 3 clean sheets in 15 appearances for the Blues. However, the 30-year-old is the most experienced glove-man in the squad. He made his international debut in 2011 and since then went on to make 51 appearances for the Blue Tigers, keeping 18 clean sheets. The Punjabi lad stands 1.94 m tall and is an imposing figure when it comes to ball collection during set-pieces. He is a very good shot-stopper. However, he is slightly vulnerable when it comes to handling the powerful grounded shots.

Right Back- Rahul bheke

Rahul Bheke is one of the fittest players in the squad and he is coming into the match on the back of a very impressive performance for his club Mumbai City FC in the AFC Champions League. The 31-year-old became the first Indian to score a goal in Asian football’s elite club competition when he headed home against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. The Bengaluru FC-man is a versatile defender who can be deployed anywhere in the back-line. Meanwhile the Mumbai-lad has got a strong arm which is pretty useful when it comes to long-throws into the opposition penalty area.

Centre Back- Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal is also a versatile defender who can play at both the centre-back and right-back positions. Therefore don’t be surprised if he starts at the right back and Bheke is deployed in the central defence. Kotal played as a central defender for ATK Mphun Bagan’s recent AFC Cup campaign, where they managed to qualify for the inter-zonal play-offs. Kotal is a very consistent player who keeps things simple and has loads of experience. The 28-year-old is well build, is strong in the air and times his tackles to perfection. 

Centre Back- Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhiangan is going to be the leader at the back. He will play alongside his ATKMB teammate Kotal in the heart of the defence. The 28-year-old, who is reportedly linked with multiple European clubs, delivered a solid performance for the Mariners against Maziya FC in the AFC Cup tie three days ago. Jhingan is a warrior on the field, who is known for his rough and on the face defending. The former Kerala Blasters player has a never-say-die attitude and is not afraid to put his body on the line. Jhingan has 43 international caps to his name and has netted four times. 

Left-Back Ashique Kuruniyan

There is a lot of competition at the left-back position. Subhashish Bose is a natural full-back but I have decided to go with Ashique Kuruniayn to offer a bit more attacking threat. The Bengaluru FC player is also capable of playing on the left wing or left midfield. But he has enough experience of playing as a left-wing-back for the Blues and is very good while going forward. The 24-year-old is very quick and is not afraid to take on defenders. His marauding runs down the left flank will be beneficial for the team. The Kerala-boy plays tough football and doesn’t get intimidated by higher ranked opponents.

Central Midfield- Glan Martins

Glan Martins is likely to be deployed as a defensive midfielder. The 27-year-old has played nine games for the Blue Tigers. The FC Goa man missed India’s last two friendlies in Bahrain. He played a key role in India’s SAFF Cup triumph in October, 2021. The Goan played four of the five games in the competition and was a solid presence in front of the back four. Meanwhile he has a strong right foot and is pretty good with his long range shooting.

Central Midfield- Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa will be the box-to-box midfielder in the playing eleven. The Chennaiyin FC captain will have to contribute at both ends. He will play a key role in the team’s transition from defence to attack. Thapa has played 35 games for India since making his debut in 2017. The 24-year-old is capable of playing one-touch football and getting into promising positions. He is also pretty good at delivering long attacking passes. 

Left Midfield- Brandon Fernandes 

Brandon Fernandes is going to be the playmaker in the side. The 27-year-old made his international debut in June, 2021 and went on to make 14 appearances for the Blue Tigers, scoring four times. The FC Goa player missed India’s last two friendlies because of injury and is itching to get into the playing eleven. Fernandes could be deployed on the left side of midfield but he will often cut inside and link-up with Chhetri and create space for Ashique to make those attacking rune down the left flank. Meanwhile he can also deliver quality diagonal passes. 

Right Midfield- Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh is the only natural right-winger available in the squad and he could make it to the starting eleven. The Bengaluru FC player made his international debut in 2016 and has played 35 games for the Blue Tigers, scoring once and registering three assists. The  25-year-old is nicknamed ‘flash’ because of his electric pace. But Udanta struggles when it comes to the final third. However, in the last ISL season, the youngster scored three goals and registered two assists in 17 appearances for the Blues. He seems to have improved in the attacking third and could be handy in Saturday’s encounter

Centre Forward- Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh could be deployed as the target-man. The ATKMB player has played 30 games for India and has scored five times. The 26-year-old is heading into the tie on the back of an impressive ISL and AFC Cup campaign. He ended the 2021-22 ISL season with 6 goals, only behind Liston Colaco (8) in the top Indian goal-scorers list. The Punjabi lad continued the goal- scoring form to the continental stage, scoring two goals in the AFC Cup qualifiers and helping his side reach the next stage. He is a tall player, who can hold the ball up, has decent pace and works his socks off. Manvir will cause all sorts of problems to the opposition defenders with his relentless running and closing down. 

Centre forward- Sunil Chhetri

Captain, leader, legend, Sunil Chhetri will once again lead the attack. The 37-year-old has scored a whopping 80 goals in 125 appearances for the Blue Tigers. He is returning to the national team after a gap of six months because of injury issues. Chhetri played a key role in India’s 2021 SAFF Cup triumph, scoring five times in as many games. Although the veteran didn’t have a great ISL season last term, by his standards, scoring four goals in 20 games, he will be the go to man for the Blue Tigers in the upcoming friendly and qualifiers. His combination with Manvir and link-up play with Fernandes would be key to the team’s chances of getting the better of Jordan.