This is not going to be just another match for Bangladesh.
The main reason is Hamza Choudhury, while the additions of expatriate footballers like Shamit Shome and Fahamedul Islam have only served to raise the expectations.
Hamza has already played two games – the debut away to India that ended in a goalless draw and the other a 2-0 win against Bhutan held at home last week.
Fahamedul also made his international bow against Bhutan, while Shamit is eagerly waiting for his.
Tuesday’s AFC Asian Cup qualifying fixture against Singapore would be the first to feature Hamza-Shamit midfield pair.
The tickets were sold out in rapid pace and Javier Cabrera’s charges can expect a full-house National Stadium in Dhaka with the Eid holidays approaching its end.
Singapore are placed higher than the home side in the latest FIFA rankings but Bangladesh now boast one of its strongest squads in recent times.
Bangladesh head coach Cabrera started the pre-match press conference with a wide smile to reveal that there is no other target but to secure three points.
“We had a good practice match against Bhutan that gave us some boost, morale and finally the big day comes and absolutely ready for the challenge,” he said.
“I think it's going to be a very, very competitive match. Definitely the objective for Singapore match is to get the three points because only the top team qualifies (for finals).”
Bangladesh travelled to India for the opening group fixture last March and held the hosts to a goalless draw, thanks to Hamza’s laudable performance.
Singapore also played their first group match away to Hong Kong and that too ended in a goalless stalemate.
Only the top finisher from the group will qualify for the Asian Cup.
Cabrera reminded that topping the group was his side’s core objective.
“That's going to make every single match of this group very, very, very intense. And that's what we expect (Tuesday). We are absolutely ready to compete with anyone and we have full belief that we can get a win against Singapore,” he added.
Captain Jamal Bhuiyan also said, “Now our expectations are high.
“The expectation has been growing and growing and growing and now I think (Tuesday) is the moment to show these expectations to the people and to the fans and to ourselves and to our family. We have high expectations.
“Singapore's build-up is very good. We know that they are also good in set-pieces. We have to destroy them and create chaos.”
The visitors ended their six-match winless run last week when they defeated the Maldives 3-1 in a friendly with defender Amirul Adli netting the opener.
Amirul said it will not just be Hamza on the pitch, but the whole of Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh is a good team and furthermore this stadium is filled with their fans. So I feel it's going to be a difficult match but also entertaining,” he said.
While talking about Bangladesh’s expatriates like Hamza, Singapore head coach Tsutomu Ogura believes such inclusions are “good” for the country.
“We also have some overseas players. It's another culture, another environment they bring to their own country, they are helping. But also the local players get confident together with those players. It's good influence,” Tsutomu said.
Bangladesh have never beaten Singapore.
The last match between the two sides, a friendly, held 10 years ago ended in a 2-1 win for hosts Singapore.
The squads of the two sides have gone through drastic changes since then.
The spotlight will be on Hamza who took only six minutes to score on home debut against Bhutan.
Hamza’s specialty is in defensive midfield which could come in handy for Cabrera’s disciples against Singapore, who are comparatively stronger in offence.
The much-awaited encounter is scheduled to kick off at 7pm Bangladesh time.
