India vs Kuwait: The Indian football team will play one of their most crucial matches against Kuwait on June 6. If they don't win this match, they will be left with little to no chance of progressing to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.

Considering their disappointing defeat against Afghanistan last March, head coach Igor Stimac will be eyeing a few changes to his starting lineup from that match. Other than the choices he has on his hand, he will also have to fill the gaps left by injured Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, and Apuia Ralte.

Jhingan is undoubtedly an invaluable asset to the Blue Tigers defense and with Mishra's absence added to it, the coach will have to shake things up a little in the backline. Considering Nikhil Poojary’s performance was unsatisfactory in the last few matches, he could be benched.

If the coach goes for another 4-man backline, it could consist of Jay Gupta in the left-back, Anwar Ali and Rahul Bheke in the centre-back, and Subhasish Bose in the right-back positions. Ralte will be missing from the Blue Tigers’ engine room. The coach could bring in Sahal Abdul Samad.

Sahal could be paired with Jeakson Singh, Brandon Fernandes, and Manvir Singh in the midfield. While Sahal starts in the left wing and Manvir starts in the right wing, Brandon and Jeakson will have the job to hold on to their hats in the middle to stop the Kuwait attack if it goes as far.

Beloved captain Sunil Chhetri who will be playing his last match for the Blue Tigers should lead the attack with Vikram Partap Singh by his side in the frontline. Considering some blunders from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the last few matches, coach Stimac could call up Amrinder Singh instead of him for this match.

Indian football team full squad

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, and Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, and Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Suresh Singh Wangjam

Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, and Vikram Partap Singh