A new coach at helm, an injury-struck squad and a shuffled XI with new strategy all of a sudden are probably the last things any team demands midway through a tournament as Bangladesh will sit for a tough test in Kyrgyzstan when they face the hosts for their fifth 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier today. The match will kick-off at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at 8PM BST.
It will also be a test for newly appointed Italian head coach Fabio Lopez who vowed to change the face of the team with his style of play.
Group Standing
Asian Champions Australia’s shock defeat away to Jordan last week brought changes in the table. After four matches, Jordan leapfrogged Australia to the top with 10 points, one more than the Socceroos. Bangladesh are certainly not in a battle for the top two slots and their prime objective will be to steal a point from the home team who are on five points. Elsewhere, Jordan will host fourth-placed Tajikistan.
Previous Record
Bangladesh began their World Cup qualifier campaign against Kyrgyzstan on June 11 with a 1-3 defeat at home. However, Kyrgyzstan are win less since then while Bangladesh has never beaten or drew against them in three meetings.
Injuries And Changes
Newcomer Lopez had to deal with the flurry of injuries during the training camp recently as, as many as five changes will be made in the playing line-up today. Defenders Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Yeasin Khan, midfielder Sohel Rana, forwards Amile, Enamul and Zahid are the players who fared in the last meeting, but are absent from the current 23-member squad.
Change In Position
Bangladesh will take the field without their attacking trio Zahid, Amile and Sohel Rana after a long time. BJMC striker Nabib Newaz Jibon impressed Lopez and he could well be starting the game while Sajib and Shakhawat Rony will also be vying for the No 9 role. Captain and midfielder Mamunul is likely to be deployed in his new position – right wing.
The ‘Cold’ Factor
It is very cold in Bishkek with heavy wind blowing throughout the day. The match commissioner informed that the pitch is in poor condition due to heavy rain on Sunday night as Bangladesh were not allowed for their official practice session at the venue. Bangladesh are most likely not to ‘chill’ in the chilling weather and this change in condition will cause dent in the result.
Players To Watch
Anton Zemlianukhin scored two superb goals against Bangladesh in the first-leg by utilising the space offered by the Red and Green defenders.
Jamal Bhuiyan is the only Bangladeshi player who is accustomed to play in cold conditions, thanks to his stint in Europe. The faithful defensive midfielder, who also traveled to Kyrgyzstan with his club team two months ago, is pivotal for the balancing role he plays between the attack and defence.
