India FC once again see themselves in a must-win situation against Uzbekistan FC, as they eye to avoid an early exit in the Asian Cup. In fact, both teams are winless in the contest, but considering their opener, Uzbekistan has a better chance compared to India. During their opener, India lost to Australia in a 2-0 score line, which leaves them without a point here. Moreover, India wants to avoid another early exit in the contest, which is why they want to win here. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is also winless, but they were able to get one point due to their opener draw. Uzbekistan opened their Asian Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Syria, a record they need to improve. The meeting between these two teams is on January 18, 2023, at 10:30 PM (GMT+8).
India FC
India’s team failed to score in their third consecutive Asian Cup match against the Socceroos, resulting in a 5-0 combined score. If India loses on Thursday, along with a win or draw against Syria, they will be eliminated for the second time. However, manager Igor Stimac’s primary objective is to reach the World Cup, with his side narrowly behind Kuwait on goal difference in their second-round 2026 qualification group. India has only found the back of the net in one of their previous four group matches, defeating Thailand in their 2019 opener. India has never won their second group fixture at this tournament, losing in each of their four previous attempts and scoring in only one of those encounters.
Deepak Tangri and Vikram Partap Singh made their senior debuts for India in matchday one, while goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu could tie for seventh in all-time caps. Sunil Chhetri, the record goalscorer and cap holder, is seeking his first in the 2023 competition.
Uzbekistan FC
Uzbekistan missed a chance to win their opening match in the Asian Cup for the first time since 2007, losing 2-1 against Iran. This was the second time in the 21st century that Uzbekistan failed to score in an Asian Cup group match. Despite disappointment, Uzbekistan extended their unbeaten run to eight matches without conceding a goal in their last two fixtures. They have not been held scoreless in consecutive international fixtures since 2021. Uzbekistan has shown resilience over the past year, earning a result in their previous four matches where they conceded the opening goal. They have never lost to India in six prior meetings, erasing a 2-1 deficit with two goals in the final 13 minutes to win their only Asian Cup encounter, 3-2 in 1999.
Diyor Kholmatov and Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev have been on the bench for Uzbekistan’s last two matches, while Zafarmurod Abdurakhmatov is still seeking his first international cap. Jaloliddin Masharipov is three caps away from 60, Odiljon Hamrobekov can hit the half-century mark, and Igor Sergeyev needs two more goals.
Prediction:
Uzbekistan FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.89
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