On Saturday, two Asian powerhouses will witness their national football team take on each other at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Suzhou City. For the first time ever, India will be travelling to China to take on the People’s Republic of China for an international friendly, clashing swords after a gap of 21 years.

India have also seen a tremendous growth over the past few years, which saw the nation entering the top 100 in the FIFA Rankings. Currently placed 97th, the quality of home-grown talent has significantly risen in the past five years. With the AFC Asian Cup 2019 looming large ahead, India will take this as a major preparatory step ahead of the mega competition. Here’s a look at our own team ahead of the crucial tie.

MAN-IN-CHARGE

Stephen Constantine returned to the helm of affairs of the Indian national team on January 2015, after having initially coached the Blue Tigers from 2002 to 2005. But this time, he came with intent and focused on giving youngsters a chance and forming a resolute team. After two years, India find themselves in the top 100, with a formidable team in place. However, China would be one of Constantine’s biggest opponents in recent times and thus, it remains to be seen how he urges his troops forward on foreign soil.

PAST RESULTS

India lost the final of the recently concluded SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018 to Maldives in a major upset, but the players need not get disheartened as Constantine decided to field a U-23 team for the competition. Prior to that, India won the inaugural Hero Intercontinental Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Earlier in the year, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifications, India won seven of its eight qualifying matches, topping the group in the process. Such a form is sure to restore a lot of confidence in the Blue Tigers.

KEY PLAYERS

Sunil Chhetri

India’s talisman is always a threat for opposition defences. With an impressive 65 goals scored in 102 appearances for India, the 34-year-old will be the chief architect upfront. After finishing as the top-scorer in the Hero Intercontinental Cup, Chhetri would be looking to continue his form in the upcoming match. With an experienced defence to break, Chhetri’s class and creativity would be instrumental for Constantine’s men.

Sandesh Jhingan

The new-appointed captain has always been a rock for India at the back over the past few years. With a scintillating opposition attack to contain, Jhingan’s performance at the heart of defence would be crucial. His camaraderie with Anas Edathodika is also a big asset for India, something the 25-year-old need to replicate with his partner on the pitch. Thus, if India wants to win, they need to stop China from scoring and for that, Jhingan would be the man.

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Karanjit Singh

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Sarthak Golui, Sandesh Jhingan, Anas Edathodika, Salam Ranjan Singh, Subhasish Bose, Narayan Das

Midfielders: Udanta Singh, Nikhil Poojari, Pronay Halder, Rowllin Borges, Anirudh Thapa, Vinit Rai, Halicharan Narzary, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi, Farukh Choudhary

Watch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 5pm onwards.

Read the match preview here.