AFC Asian Cup is the premier international tournament for football in the continent, and India could be privileged and proud of themselves to find themselves facing the best in Asia.
The 2024 AFC Asian Cup is being held in Qatar, with India being placed in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. The Blue Tigers, led by Sunil Chhetri kick-off their group stage campaign today. Igor Stimac's men will face the mighty Socceroos at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
India's fifth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup would see them face some tough opponents to make their way through to the next stage of the competition. This is the first time that India would be a part of two successive Asian Cup campaigns, after featuring in the 2019 Asian Cup.
As India kick off their campaign, The Sporting News takes a look at the predicted line-ups, head-to-head record, and betting odds for the game against Australia.
AFC Asian Cup, India vs Australia: Predicted lineups
Starting XI for India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lalengmawia Apuia Ralte; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Anirudh Thapa, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sunil Chhetri (C).
Starting XI for Australia: Matt Ryan (GK); Nathaniel Atkinson, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Riley McGree, Aiden O'Neill, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin; Mitchell Duke, Martin Boyle
MORE: AFC Asian Cup 2023 Golden Boot: Top scorers
India vs Australia: Head-to-head record
India and Australia have faced each other nine times in World Football. The Socceroos edge the head-to-head record by 5-3.
The last time that these two nations got against each other, Australia beat India by 4-0. The two sides haven't battled on the field since the AFC Asian Cup 2011. Football legend Tim Cahill scored a brace to help Australia record a 4-0 win against the Blue Tigers in 2011.
| Matches | IND won | AUS won | Draw |
| 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
India vs Australia: Prediction for AFC Asian Cup game
While Indian football has improved drastically over the last few years, this test against Australia could be too much for the Blue Tigers to handle. The Australians have participated in the biggest stage recently, at a place where the Indians aspire to be one day - The FIFA World Cup.
There is a gulf of parity between the two nations, and we predict that Australia will win their tournament opener against India in Qatar. However, if India could grab an early goal and defend their lives, it would be inspiring for the Blue Tigers to snatch points off the Socceroos.
MORE: India vs Australia, AFC Asian Cup: TV channel, telecast, live stream details
India vs Australia: Betting odds for AFC Asian Cup
According to Dafabet, Australia are the overwhelming favourites to win this tie between India and Australia. The Indians go into the encounter as massive underdogs.
| Team | Betting odds |
| India | 70.00 |
| Australia | 1.05 |
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