India vs Kuwait Predicted XI: Igor Stimac to line up strongest XI to ensure progression in WC Qualifiers

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India are now in a do-or-die situation where they have to get an absolute win against Kuwait on June 6. A defeat will leave them with little to no hopes of progressing to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. The head coach Igor Stimac called it the most important game of his career in the pre-match press conference.

Hence, coach Stimac will be looking to field his strongest XI. The Blue Tigers don't have the record in their favour. They now have only a single goal to show from their last six matches. Even in the two World Cup qualifiers matches against Afghanistan, they failed to get a single win.

Hence, a number of changes can be expected in the starting lineup. Afghanistan managed to score twice in India's most recent match. Hence, the defense could be lined up a little differently with Jay Gupta coming in Nikhil Poojary's place.

Subhasish Bose should start on the other side of the backline. In the absence of Sandesh Jhingan in the centre-back position, Anwar Ali and Rahul Bheke should partner up in the middle. Whereas, the coach assured during the India vs Kuwait pre-match press conference that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will start under the bar.

With Apuia Ralte out with an injury, Sahal Abdul Samad could be called up to start in the engine room alongside Jeakson Singh, Manvir Singh, and Brandon Fernandes. Going up the field, Vikram Pratap Singh will be unable to play as he will serve a suspension.

Considering Lallianzuala Chhangte has been reliable for Mumbai City last season, he should start in the frontline. He will be pairing up with captain Sunil Chhetri who will be playing his last game for the Blue Tigers this day. Hence, there is no doubt that he will be leading the team from the front against Kuwait.

India Predicted XI vs Kuwait

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Jay Gupta, Anwar Ali, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose; Sahal Abdul Samad, Jeakson Singh, Manvir Singh, Brandon Fernandes; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri