Match Preview: India set for Bhutan Challenge

by Chittu Shetty August 13, 2016

Fresh new look Tigers are set to face dragon music, as India prepares for its first match in two months  since the annihilation of Laos at home. The Match is set to be played at Changlimithang Stadium in Chang lam, Thimpu, also third highest capital city in the world. Although, India in this unofficial tie will be looking test its bench strength and get a much needed match practice for the team. It will be big game for the host ahead of their 2019 Asian cup second round Pre-qualifier against Bangladesh.

The Indian management, so far has done all the right things leading up to the game, after the pre-planned USA tour was cancelled due to diplomatic issues, a quick friendly game was arranged for players to gain some match experience. The game will be still expected to be a one-sided affair,  despite India being without their star players. Due to the match being an Unofficial Friendly most of the First team players are not available, as both BFC and EB refused to release their players and so did stabaek, the Norwegian club for which India’s regular Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu plays.

India will look to start with 4-2-3-1 formation which would be best suited for their current squad, Although Coach Constantine much fancied attacking formation of 4-3-3 could be seen in latter parts of the game. In form Mohan Bagan and Chennaiyin FC striker Jeje lalpekhlua would be expected to lead the team, while despite subrata paul being the experienced campaigner, the keeper responsibilities could either fall on debutants L Kattimani or TP Rehneesh. Sandesh Jinghan and Khongjee would be expected to share the central defensive responsibilities while F Cardozo and Chinglesana singh would be given the role of Full backs. Mid field looks strong as both Rowlin Borges and Pronay Halder are expected to start the game carrying their good club forms. While Jackichand will start at left flank, L Changte or Issac Chhakchhuk would battle for the right one, with the former having more of chance after his two goal burst against Nepal in SAFF championship earlier this year. In the attacking front, Jeje is expected to lead the attack with Holicharan Nazary and Sumit passi being the options for support.

Bhutan has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation for their games, and they know that this is the perfect warm up for them before their qualifier game next month. Hari gurung will be the Bhutanese man between the sticks with a young 16 year old Mikyo Dorji being another option. The defense includes an experienced group of players with total caps counting to 45 games. Karma Tshering, the captain will be expected to be in Central midfield along with Tshering Dorji, Goal scorer of the much talked upset match against Sri Lanka. Chencho Gyeltshen, all time goal scorer for Bhutan would be expected to lead the attack.

Although India will be expected to brush past their neighbors, an upset on the cards by the minnows cannot be ruled out.

Kick OFF: 15:30

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