India have a chance to strengthen their position of making it to the final of the inaugural Hero Intercontinental Cup when they take on Kenya at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday. The Blue Tigers come into the game on the back of a stunning 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei in the opening fixture on Friday. Kenya also enter the match after a 2-1 win over New Zealand and would look to carry on their momentum to overcome the Indian hurdle.

Though the two teams have never met before at the international stage, the game is slightly tilted towards the in-form India brigade (97) who sit higher in the FIFA ranking as compared to the visitor (111). This game will also mark a special occasion for India captain and legend Sunil Chhetri, who will make his 100^th appearance for the national side - a feat bettered only by Bhaichung Bhutia.

How India is expected to shape up:

After India’s mercurial performance against Chinese Taipei, head coach Stephen Constantine is largely expected to name an unchanged squad for the clash. Sunil Chhetri, who was at his lethal best against Taipei, registering his first hat-trick in eight years for the country, is largely expected to lead the front line. But Chhetri owed a large part of his three-goal haul to fellow strike partner Jeje Lalpekhlua. The Chennaiyin FC forward will prove to be a nightmare for the Kenyan defenders with his clinical finishing and intricate build-up play. The partnership between Jeje, Chhetri and Udanta Singh will definitely be a sight to behold on the ground.

Constantine had also handed debuts to three youngsters in the last match - Anirudh Thapa, Subhasish Bose and Ashique Kuruniyan, with the gamble paying rich dividends. Thapa was electrifying in attack with his pace and vision, while Bengaluru FC’s Bose put in a solid performance at the back. Rowlin Borges might find it hard to reclaim his spot in the squad after Pronay Halder’s rock-solid display in the middle of the park, while the defence is expected to be lead by the stalwarts - Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Anas Edathodika and Pritam Kotal.

Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Lalruatthara, Narayan Das, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders: Udanta Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Rowllin Borges, Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, Md. Rafique, Halicharan Narzary, Laldanmawia Ralte
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Alen Deory.

A look at how Kenya shall shape up:

Kenya have also enjoyed a bright start to their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over New Zealand on Saturday. After initially going down, they clawed their way back with two splendid goals from Miheso Cliffton and Ovella Ochieng.

The Harambee Stars are currently ranked 111 in the world and are arguably India’s toughest opponents at the four-nation tournament. Their fitness levels are their greatest strength and India need to be wary of the physicality the opponents can bring into the game.Given the quality of players at their disposal, Kenya have a more than outside chance of causing the hosts all sorts of problems.

Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Timothy Odhiambo, Patrick Matasi, Bryne Omondi
Defenders: Jockins Atudo, Musa Mohammed, Michael Kibwage, Bernard Ochieng, Dennis Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Bolton Omwenga, Erick Ouma
Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna, Vincent Wasambo, Patilla Omoto, Chrispin Oduor, Clifton Miheso, Duncan Otieno
Attackers: Ovella Ochieng, Timothy Otieno, John Makwatta, Pistone Mutamba

Coach Speaks:

India’s head coach Constantine: “I am aware of the quality of the players whom Kenya have brought in and they are playing all across Europe. Kenya will be giving us different problems and we need them in our developmental process. Physically we are prepared and we need to now prepare tactically.”

Kenya’s assistant coach Francis Kimanji: "We would like to grab this opportunity with both hands. On the behalf of the Kenya Football Federation, we would like to thank AIFF (All India Football Federation) for inviting us. It'll surely be an interesting challenge for our boys and they're up to utilise this opportunity.”