China vs India
International Friendly
Date: Saturday, 13th October 2018
Kick-off at 12:35 UK/ 13:35 CET
Venue: Suzhou Sports Centre (Suzhou).
China vs India Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips
China
Marcelo Lippi’s side have experienced a dip in form over the last 12 months, with a scoreless draw against Bahrain before a 1-0 loss to Qatar. The Chinese Football Association have invested heavily in the support staff for the side, with the aim of having an impact at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
China are likely to start with the same 4-4-2 line-up that played out the draw with Bahrain with Beijing striker Whang Xizhe partnering Gao Lin up front.
China have an outstanding record against India with 12 wins in the last 17 games. This will be the first time these two sides have played in China and the first time they have met since 1997.
India
India have named a 28-man squad for their first international friendly match in China. The Blue Tigers have had a tough time in 2018, coming off a 2-1 loss the Maldives in September and the friendly with China will be used for their preparation for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Indian coach Stephen Constantine will have to make do without forward Balwant Singh, who was dropped from the squad over passport issues. Skipper Sunil Chhetri will lead the side, with the Indian skipper scoring eight goals in his last four appearances for the national side.
China vs India Prediction
China has lost only one in their last 5 home games, that too against a strong Czech side. In their previous friendly they managed to draw at Bahrain 0-0.
India has lost to Maldives in SAFF cup final, playing with a second choice team. The coach will include the young players from that campaign to look at wider options for the upcoming Asia Cup.
It is quite evident that the visiting Indians are huge underdogs here and they are a team largely untested against quality Asian opponents.
The Dragons led by Marcello Lippi tend to play a tight defensive game, they won’t create a lot of chances or score a plenty. Thus, backing the away side on a +2.5 Asian Handicap is the best option in a potential low scoring affair.
Head-to-Head
China have played India 17 times in international competition with China winning 12 of the last 17 and five draws. These two sides last met in 1997 in the Nehru Cup with China winning 2-1.
Match Up
India face a mammoth challenge in their first matchup against the Red Dragons on Chinese soil.
The home side will be intent on taking advantage of India’s inexperience on the international stage. Shanghai SPGI forward Wu Lei is expected to exploit the space in the channels. The Shanghai forward has found the back of the net three times in his last six matches for the national team.
Key Statistics
China have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 matches (Friendlies).
China have won 12 of the last 17 matches against India (All Competitions).
India have lost their last 2 away matches in all competitions.
China vs India Betting Tips
India +2.5 Asian Handicap @ 9/10 (1.90)
Under 3.5 match goals @ 2.10 (11/10).