The Blue Tigers are searching for their second win since Manolo Marquez took the job in July.
The Indian national team will be determined to register their first win in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers when they face the Hong Kong football team at the Kai Tak Stadium, on Tuesday (June 10).
The Blue Tigers are gearing up for their second game of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and will be eager to get a win following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Thailand.
Manolo Marquez has chosen an fairly good squad for the June international break matches. However, he is only likely to choose his strongest XI for the upcoming Hong Kong match to register three important points.
While some players have returned to the national camp in full fitness, the Spaniard will field a starting XI of players who he trusts to deliver the goods. Here is how Khel Now’s predicted India lineup for the Hong Kong clash.
Formation: 4-3-3
Marquez is expected to stick with his trusted four-man defensive line for this clash. Ashique Kuruniyan is expected to spearhead the midfield line, and Manvir Singh and Liston will take up the wings.
Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
With the poor form of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith is going to look to replicate his club form at Mohun Bagan in the national team. He has enjoyed a brilliant 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, keeping 14 clean sheets in the league phase for Mohun Bagan.
Kaith has multiple international caps for India and will look to produce a sturdy performance against Hong Kong with his cat like reflexes.
Right-back: Asish Rai
Rai returned to his best form for Mohun Bagan in the 2024-25 ISL, helping them keep 14 clean sheets in the league phase. He will bring sturdiness and steel to the right side of India’s backline and a creative edge.
Rai boasts an impressive crossing ability, having picked up three assists in the ISL, and his chemistry with Manvir Singh should click for the Blue Tigers against Hong Kong.
Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan
Sandesh Jhingan remains India’s most experienced centre-back and a player who often shines through on the international stage. He will play a key role in helping the Blue Tigers maintain a stubborn, tight defensive line and dominate the Hong Kong forwards with his physicality and aerial dominance.
Jhingan knows how to operate in Marquez’s system because of their time at FC Goa and will use that expertise to produce a solid effort in the upcoming clash.
Centre-back: Anwar Ali
Anwar Ali made a rousing return to the Indian side after an injury riddled campaign. Considering his heroics for East Bengal FC this season, there is optimism that he can be the perfect partner alongside Jhingan. He played a key role in helping them notch up six clean sheets in the all competitions this season.
Ali’s composure at the back, passing ability and tendency to make key challenges should help maintain calmness in the Indian backline against the dangerous Hong Kong forwards.
Left-back: Tekcham Abhishek Singh
Marquez will probably call upon one of the younger stars in the squad in Punjab FC’s young starlet who enjoyed a great 2024-25 ISL campaign personally. While he was part of a bad Shers squad, who failed to qualify for the playoffs, his promise has caught the eye of the Spaniard.
Abhishek is the in-form left-back option available for Marquez, especially with his hunger and desire to step up the field. Not only can he stop the Hong Kong’s attacks well, but he can also be the workhorse who helps them carry the ball.
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Centre-Midfield: Suresh Singh Wangjam
Suresh Singh will play a key role in keeping up the energy levels in India’s midfield line thanks to his tireless running ability and pressing tactics. He has enjoyed a solid season with Bengaluru FC and attempts to bring that form to the Blue Tigers.
Suresh will be urged to regain possession with his pressing and also move the ball into the empty pockets special to trigger counter-attacks.
Centre-Midfield: Lalengmawia Ralte
The Mohun Bagan midfielder enjoyed a memorable debut campaign for the Mariners, showing his quality as an all-round midfield machine.
Thanks to his impressive distribution ability and press-resistant nature, Apuia will play a key role in helping India dominate possession. He will have to be sharp with his forward passes and snappy with his impressive tackling ability to neutralize the Hong Kong threat in midfield.
Attacking Midfield: Brandon Fernandes
Even though Brandon Fernandes has not enjoyed a memorable 2024-25 ISL campaign, he remains arguably the Blue Tigers’ biggest creative threat.
Fernandes has that eye for special, penetrative passes into the final third, being able to send players free into the box with his pinpoint accuracy passes. He will need to be decisive with his passes and set-piece delivery to enhance India’s chances of getting a big win.
Right-Wing: Manvir Singh
A player criticised for inconsistency in the Blue Tigers shirt, Manvir Singh remains a key attacking outlet for India due to his physicality, pace, and ability to stretch defences. The versatile forward, who can operate both as a striker and on the wing, is known for making smart runs behind the backline. He had a productive season with Mohun Bagan in the ISL with nine goal contributions in 23 games.
With Hong Kong likely to sit deep, Manvir’s off-the-ball movement and dribbling could be critical in breaking their defensive shape. If he can improve his finishing touch and reading of the game, he holds the potential to be a match-winner for India.
Left-Wing: Liston Colaco
The Mohun Bagan winger has quietly become one of India’s most dangerous attackers. Blessed with pace, excellent dribbling, and a powerful shot, Liston is a constant menace on the left wing.
He holds the ability to create space, deliver accurate crosses, and cut inside to shoot, offering multiple attacking dimensions. With Hong Kong vulnerable in wide areas, Liston’s performance could be vital in unlocking the opposition defence and providing key service to Sunil Chhetri and Manvir Singh, his partners-in-crime.
Centre-Forward: Sunil Chhetri
No Indian player commands the spotlight like Indian icon and Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri. The legendary forward remains India’s most reliable source of goals, even at 40. Chhetri’s intelligence, movement, and calmness under pressure make him a threat every time he steps onto the pitch.
He scored against Hong Kong the last time the two teams met in 2022, and he will be eager to repeat that feat in what could be his final AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign. Fans expect him to lead by example once again as India once again look to his weary shoulders to carry the expectations of a billion people.
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