AFC Asian Cup 2023, India vs Uzbekistan: What Changes Could Igor Stimac Make For Next Group Game

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The Indian football team is moving on to their next challenge against Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Starting with a 0-2 loss against Australia, the Blue Tigers need to step it up to win this match.

The Socceroos were a much superior side that could have gotten away with a comfortable win. Hence, coach Igor Stimac opted for a more defensive line up against them. This helped them in the game to an extent.

However, in this AFC Asian Cup 2023 match, India will look for a win, so a more attacking line up can be expected. Hence, a few necessary changes will surely be made to the squad. Igor Stimac has already confirmed as such.

“We need better quality with passing. We need to refresh some legs and few changes will come," Igor Stimac said. "We will look for more offensive teams and try to find a way to approach this game and try to win it.”

Akash Mishra is more attack-minded than Subhasish Bose in the left-back position. Hence, he would have been the perfect option. However, as he sustained an injury during a training session, that option might not be available to Igor Stimac.

If Mishra recovers, then he could come in the starting XI. The same can be said about Sahal Abdul Samad who is still training alone as he's yet to recover from his injury. However, if he recovers in time, he should be coming in as well.

Considering his playmaking skills, Anirudh Thapa should be called up in Lalengmawia Ralte’s place. However, if Sahal starts, then Thapa might have to start in a deeper role. He can still move up to the final third to provide options to score.

The same can be said about Suresh Singh who started just behind Sunil Chhetri in India's first AFC Asian Cup 2023 match. Similar to Thapa, he could also start in a deeper role alongside Thapa if Sahal starts in his position.