International Friendly: India v Malaysia

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Match 1: Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Guwahati -13th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM (India Time)

Match 2: Yuvabharati Krirangan, Kolkata – 16th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM (India Time)

Team and Tactical of India

Team India is expected to line-up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and continue their experiment of getting accustomed to short passing game, which Armando Colaco initiated during his regime. In the absence of Subrata Paul, experienced Salgaocar ‘keeper Karanjit Singh is expected to guard the Indian citadel, while Dempo’s Subhashish Roy Chowdhury and East Bengal’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will serve as Karanjit’s deputies.

Striker - Sunil Chhetri

The four defenders pick themselves up for a place in the starting line-up. Mahesh Gawli and Gourmangi Singh are expected to take up the responsibility of managing central defense, while Samir Naik and Syed Rahim Nabi will most probably start as the right and left wing backs. Debabrata Roy, Anwar Ali and Jashpal Singh will be the reserve defenders and can be used if required.

Climax Lawrence will most definitely feature in central midfield, but Mehtab Hossain’s unavailability would mean that either of the two youngsters, Rocus Lamare or Sheikh Jewel Raja will get a chance to showcase their potential. If Medeira wants to employ a safety first approach, then either Baldip Singh or Mehrajuddin Wadoo might get in to the starting line-up as a defensive screen. Steven Dias is expected to resume his duties on the right wing, while Anthony Periera will most probably partner him on the left flank. Young Lalrindika Ralte, who was impressive in last couple of matches for India playing as a replacement for Dias, will also be used, but mostly as a second-half substitute.

Star striker Sunil Chhetri and young Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has scored 5 goals in 8 matches donning the national colors, will form a two-pronged Indian attacking line-up. Joaquim Abrahanches, Baljit Singh Sahni and Sushil Singh are the other three strikers in Savio Medeira’s armor.

The India's Squads:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Karanjit Singh, Subhashish Roy Chowdhury.

Defenders: Jaspal Singh, Sameer Naik, Mahesh Gawli, Debabrata Roy, Anwar Ali, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gourmangi Singh.

Midfielders: Baldeep Singh, Rocus Lamare, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Francis Fernandes, Climax Lawrence, Anthony Periera, Clifford Miranda, Sk Jewel Raja, Steven Dias, Lalrindika Ralte.

Forwards: Baljit Singh Sahni, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sushil Singh, Joaquim Abranches, Sunil Chhetri

Probable Starting Line-up: Karanjit (GK), Samir, Mahesh, Gourmangi, Nabi, Steven, Climax, Rocus, Anthony, Sunil, Jeje.

Sources : TheHardTackle and TimesofIndia