Match details

International Friendly
India vs Oman
Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
25th March 2021
07.15 PM IST

Preview

Indian National Team returns to action after a gap of more than 15 months as the Blue Tigers face Oman in an international friendly as part of the preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022/AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers in May and June. The Indian team are camping in Dubai since March 15 after a six-month-long hectic ISL season. Oman played Jordan last week in a goalless draw and the India game will be their second fixture after the pandemic.

The Oman friendly is one of the two friendlies, Igor Stimac’s men will play in Dubai before returning home. India will play UAE in the second international friendly on March 29.

Stat and fact nuggets

India are yet to win a single fixture against Oman. The Blue Tigers have managed to eke out two draws and have lost on seven occasions.

Injuries and Suspensions

India:
Injuries: None
Suspensions: None
Doubtful: Ishan Pandita

Oman:
Injuries: Al-Mundhir Al-Alawi, Basil Al-Rawahi, Muhammad Ramadan and Jumah Al-Habsi
Suspensions: None
Doubtful: None

Probable starting lineups:

India: Amrinder Singh (GK), Ashish Rai, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Rowllin Borges, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Bipin Singh, Manvir Singh, Lalengmawia

Oman: Faiz Al Rushaidi (GK), Saad Suhail, Khalid Al Buraiki,  Saad Al Mukhaini , Ali Al Busaidi; Harib Al Saadi, Yaseen Al Sheyadi, Mohsin Jawhar Al Khaldi, Ahmed Mubarak Kano, Mohammed Al Ghassani, Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali. 

Top picks:

India:

Manvir Singh: The ATK Mohun Bagan FC striker was one of the finest Indian forwards in the recently concluded ISL season. Singh was the second-highest leading scorer in the ISL and will lead the attacking line-up of India in the absence of Sunil Chhetri. 

Anirudh Thapa: Anirudh Thapa is the midfield general for the Indian football team. He dictates, creates and blocks the balls in a versatile role for Chennaiyin FC. Igor Stimac is expected to use Thapa in a similar role in the centre of the park. 

Oman: 

Ahmed Mubarak Kano: The 34-year old midfielder is the mainstay for the Oman football team. He wins back possession and creates openings for his side and has been playing a crucial role for Oman in the midfield for several years now. 

Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali: Muqbali is the primary goal-scorer for Oman. He has scored 31 goals for his national team and will lead the attacking line-up against India. The former Kuwait SC striker has earlier scored against India as well. 

Captaincy options (in priority order)

Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali, Manvir Singh, Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kano’

Points projection

Amrinder Singh, Points: 40-45, Grade: B
Khalid Al Buraiki, Points: 55-60: Grade: A
Saad Al Mukhaini , Points: 55-60: Grade: A
Sandesh Jhingan, Points:50-55: Grade: B
Akash Mishra, Points: Points: 50-55: Grade: B
Anirudh Thapa, Points: 50-55: Grade: B
Mohsin Jawhar Al Khaldi, Points 55-60: Grade: A
Ahmed Mubarak Kano, Points: 60-75: Grade: A+
Manvir Singh, Points: 60-75: Grade A+
Mohammed Al Ghassani, Points: 55-60: Grade A
Abdul Aziz Al Muqbali, Points: 65-70: Grade A+

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn.