India are set to lock horns with Uzbekistan in their second game of 2023 AFC Asian Cup's Group B encounter at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan on Thursday (January 18)
India, who are making only their fifth appearance at the Asian Cup - and the first time that they have achieved consecutive qualification for the main event - kicked off their campaign against Australia, one of the strongest football sides in Asia.
However, the gulf in class was pretty evident as the Socceroos inflicted a 2-0 loss on the Sunil Chhetri-led side.
The Blue Tigers had plenty of positives to take from that game, though, as they allowed a team that is 77 ranks above them in the FIFA rankings to score just two goals.
Now, their focus shifts on Uzbekistan, who are currently ranked 68th in the FIFA rankings. It will definitely be a stern challenge for Igor Stimac's troops, but they know they need a win to stay alive in the competition.
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AFC Asian Cup, India vs Uzbekistan: Predicted lineups
Predicted XI for India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte; Rahul KP, Suresh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh; Sunil Chhetri (C)
Predicted XI for Uzbekistan: Utkir Yusupov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Rustam Ashurmatov; Azizbek Turgunboev, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otazek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Jaloliddin Masharipov (C); Igor Sergeyev
India vs Uzbekistan: Head-to-head record
India have taken on the White Wolves in six encounters. The Uzbeks have won four games, with the other two ending in a draw. India will hope to get their first-over win over Uzbekistan in football.
Their previous meeting came on June 26, 2001, in the Merdeka Cup. Uzbekistan defeated India 2-1 in that game.
| Matches | IND won | UZB won | Draw |
| 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
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India vs Uzbekistan: Prediction for AFC Asian Cup game
India are currently 34 places below Uzbekistan in the FIFA rankings. India's ranking is 102, whereas their opponents for Thursday are ranked 68th.
Historically, it has been a contest heavily dominated by the Uzbeks, who hold a superior head-to-head record over India. Uzbekistan have won four games in six meetings, with India yet to register a win over their Asian counterparts in football.
While Stimac's men put in a brave defensive showing against Australia in the opening game, it's their midfield and attack that will need to do the bulk of the work if India are to win against Uzbekistan and remain in the hunt for a spot in the next round.
However, given Uzbekistan's players have more experience in such tournaments and that many of their players play in Europe, India are likely to face their second loss of the group stage.
India vs Uzbekistan: Betting odds for AFC Asian Cup
According to Dafabet, Uzbekistan are the overwhelming favourites to beat India in their second group-stage encounter at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
| Result | Betting odds |
| India win | 21.00 |
| Draw | 7.20 |
| Uzbekistan win | 1.19 |
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