AFC Asian Cup, IND vs AUS: India locks horns with giant-killer Australia; Check starting XIs

India vs Australia: India begins their campaign at AFC Asian Cup 2023 against Group B opponent Australia on Saturday, at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar. Igor Stimac's men have a huge task ahead, considering that they are facing the side that impressed GOAT footballer Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup 2022. India is placed in a group consisting of Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. 'Men in Blue' are the least favorites to qualify for the knockouts as the Asian giants are in the group. Meanwhile, a lot of pressure could fall on Sunil Chhetri's shoulder who has been the best goal scorer of India.

Starting XIs

India starting XI: Gurpreet (GK), Bheke, Subhasish, Jhingan, Suresh, Manvir, Chhetri (c), Chhangte, Apuia, Poojary, Tangri.

Australia starting XI: Ryan (C) (GK), Rowles, Boyle, Metcalfe, Duke, Behich, Baccus, Souttar, Irvine, Goodwin, Jones.

Meanwhile, Australia managed to reach the round of 16 of the World Cup 2022 and is ranked 25th in the latest FIFA rankings, while India is 102nd. Australia has a good mix of experience and youth. 19 of their 26 players participate in European leagues, and only four are in the domestic A-League, the remaining three play in Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Injury concerns for India

India is entering the tournament with some major injuries as defender Anwar Ali, midfielder Jeakson Singh, and winger Ashique Kuruniyan will miss the tournament due to injuries. Sahal Abdul Samad will also miss the opener as he hasn't recovered from his ankle injury.

Earlier in the pre-match press conference Sunil Chhetri said, "We didn't have much knowledge of the Australian team back then (2011) compared to minute details we have now. We have watched their friendlies against Palestine and Bahrain, we know which leagues their players are in, and individual clips on them."

"With this familiarity, the fear factor goes out...of course, they are a couple of levels above, but at least we know what we are up against," he added.