Buoyant India eyeing full points against Bangladesh in FIFA qualifier

Buoyed by ir gallant goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar, India would be looking to register ir first win in FIFA World Cup qualifiers when y take on Bangladesh in a Group E second-round match at Saltlake Stadium, here on Tuesday. India put a gritty performance against an attacking Qatar, to hold reigning Asian champions to a goalless draw and earn ir first point of qualifiers after suffering a heartbreaking loss in opening match against Oman.

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Saltlake Stadium gears up for India vs Bangladesh

With city set to host senior national men's team after a gap of nine years, euphoria around match has been immense with a mad rush for tickets as Saltlake Stadium is set to witness a packed house, giving Igor Stimac-coached side a perfect st to grab three points and keep ir World Cup hopes alive. absence of defender, Sandesh Jhingan due to an ACL tear on his left knee is a big blow to hosts. But return of talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri after missing last game will lift team's spirit. In his last appearance, Chhetri scored his 72nd international goal, second-most among active players, as India put up a dominating first-half display only to go down 1-2 after conceding late goals in ir World Cup qualifier against Oman in Guwahati.

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Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took charge in Chhetri's absence and thwarted a barr of attacks from Qatar, making 11 saves in a heroic display to snatch a point from 2022 World Cup hosts. While defence, tactical formation and discipline were highlights of ir match against Qatar, focus against Bangladesh, who are ranked 83 places below India, would be on strikers. Chhetri will remain go-to man in attacking zone, but onus will also be on likes of Balwant Singh and Manvir Singh to make an impact, something former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has highlighted.

"It's only Sunil who's able to score. If he's t playing or does t score it becomes very, very difficult. We need to improve our forward lineup. In this Bangladesh game, it's going to be a big test for strikers. It's t defence but forward line will have to deliver," Bhutia said.

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Chhetri will also have support of his Bengaluru FC teammates Udanta Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan, while Mandar Rao Desai and Sahal Abdul Samad will be key in creating chances. As for back line, Stimac will be forced to rejig his central-defence with Anas Edathodika likely to pair up with Adil Khan in front of Sandhu. Jhingan's injury gives Anas with a perfect opportunity to prove himself again, especially after returning from retirement. India failed to keep up intensity in final minutes because of fitness concerns against Oman but Stimac addressed issue against Qatar. And it will be interesting to see how Blue Tigers cope up with challenge against Bangladesh, who have eight under-23 players in ir squad.

Bangladesh aims to defeat India

Bangladesh head to match after two consecutive defeats. y lost narrowly to Afghanistan and in ir last match before going down 0-2 to Qatar. But Jamie Day-coached side has put up a strong fight and created many chances in two games. Englishman may have conceded that India are firm favourites but Bangladesh will certainly look to make an impact with ir forward duo of Nabib Newaz Ziban and Saad Uddin. On paper, India enjoy a commanding 15-2 head-to-head record in 28 meetings but Bangladesh have mand to stay unbeaten in ir last two fixtures (1-1 in SAFF Championships, 2013 and 2-2 in an International friendly, 2014). Kick-off: 7.30 pm.

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