India vs Maldives Preview, Head-to-Head, Predicted Line-Up, as Sunil Chhetri returns

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India and Maldives are set to face off in an international friendly at the Polo Ground in Shillong on Wednesday. This match serves as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of their respective Asian Cup qualifiers next week. While Maldives take on the Philippines, India will battle Bangladesh in a must-win fixture.

However, the biggest talking point is the return of Sunil Chhetri, who reversed his international retirement to strengthen India's attack. With head coach Manolo Marquez still searching for his first win, can Chhetri’s presence make a difference?

India’s Recent Struggles & The Need for a Win

India enters this fixture desperate for a victory, having failed to win a game in over a year. Their last triumph came against Kuwait in June 2024, and since then, the Blue Tigers have struggled in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. Under Marquez, India has drawn against Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia while suffering a heavy defeat to Syria.

Their inability to score goals has been a recurring issue, which is why Chhetri’s return is significant. "For sure, Sunil will play some minutes," Marquez confirmed, indicating that the 40-year-old will be part of the action, either as a starter or from the bench.

Maldives' Limited Game Time

Maldives, ranked 162nd in the world, has played just two matches in the last 18 months—both against Bangladesh, with one win and one loss. This lack of competitive action could work against them as they prepare for their Asian Cup qualifying campaign.

Coach Ali Suzain, who previously led Maldives to the 2018 SAFF Championship title, will hope to inspire his squad. Experienced forward Ali Fasir, who scored in both recent games against Bangladesh, remains their key attacking threat.

India vs Maldives Head-to-Head Record

India has historically dominated this fixture, winning 14 of the 16 encounters. The last meeting saw the Blue Tigers register a comfortable 3-1 victory. However, Maldives did manage a famous win in the 2018 SAFF Championship final, a rare success against their South Asian rivals.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

India

Sunil Chhetri headlines the squad, aiming to edge closer to the milestone of 100 international goals. However, India will be without key players such as Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ashish Rai, and Sahal Abdul Samad due to injuries. Defenders Jay Gupta and Anwar Ali also remain sidelined.

Predicted line-up:

Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Apuia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri.

Maldives

Suzain has introduced several new faces, calling up nine uncapped players in an attempt to rejuvenate the squad. Ali Fasir will lead the attack, supported by a midfield featuring Mahudhee and Mohamed.

Possible XI:

Hussain Shareef (GK), Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim, Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir.

India vs Maldives squad

India: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte,

Neither team enters this match in great form, but India’s superior squad depth and home advantage should see them through. Maldives' lack of game time could make it difficult for them to keep up.

Prediction: India 2-0 Maldives

With Chhetri back in the mix and the Bangladesh qualifier looming, India will be eager to regain confidence with a strong performance. Can they finally secure a much-needed win under Marquez?