India take on Oman in their first match of the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. The match will be played at 7.30 pm at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
It will be déjà vu for India as they face Oman yet again for a qualification berth at the FIFA World Cup finals. Both sides have faced each other seven times, with Oman getting the better of India on four occasions and drawing on two. India's only victory against Oman came on September 21, 1994.
A win against Oman is a must for India to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Coach Igor Stimac will need to come up with something special, especially in defense, which is India's weakest link as they still lack a solid defensive partner for Sandesh Jhinghan.
All eyes will be on ace striker Sunil Chhetri who is no novice in front of goal. It will be up to Lallianzuala Chhangte and other other midfielders to ensure that Chhetri gets the ball enough. India will look to make amends for their previous two defeats to Oman that came at the same stage four years ago.
Lack of match fitness could prove to be the Achilles' heel for the men in blue. Oman, on the other hand, beat Yemen 1-0 in an friendly recently and will look to take the momentum forward.
Where to watch
The India vs Oman match will be telecast in India by the Star Sports Network. It will be available on Star Sports 3. Those wishing to stream the match can do so on Star's online platform Hotstar and Jio TV. The match will start at 7.30 pm IST.
Possible lineup and formation
India face a stiff test against Oman and coach Igor Stimac has quite the challenge on his shoulders. India could field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Chhetri playing the lone striker supported by Chhangte, Abdul Sahal Samad and Udanta Singh further up the pitch. Vinit Rai and Anirudh Thapa could complete the midfield with Subhasish Bose, Rahul Bheke, Jhingan and Pritam Kotal making up the back four shielding goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh.
India possible squad: Gurpreet Singh (GK), Subhasish Bose, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Pritam Kotal, Vinit Rai, Anirudh Thapa, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Abdul Sahal Samad, Udanta Singh, Sunil Chhetri
Oman possible squad: Faiz Rushaidi (GK), Ali Busaidi, MA Musalami, Khalid AB, Saad Suhail, Yaseen AS, Harib AS, Moataz Rabbo, Ahmed Kano, Mohsin AK, AA Muqbli
