Australia vs India Prediction: Will The Socceroos Shower Down Mercy On The Blue Lions?

Australia will welcome India to the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in the first round of the AFC Asian Cup.

Having last secured the AFC Asian Cup in 2015 as hosts, Australia aims to go the extra mile this time and replicate that achievement, seeking to clinch their second title in this competition.

Let's have a look at the latest AFC Asian Cup predictions between Australia vs. India, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Australia

FIFA Ranking: 25th

The "Golden Generation" of Australian soccer had a memorable run in the FIFA 2022 World Cup, where they became the second team under the guidance of Graham Arnold to advance to the knockout stages since Guus Hiddinck's tenure in 2006. Arnold's men finished second in Group D with six points to their name level on points with table-toppers France; however, they were eventually eliminated by Argentina in the knockout stages, losing 2-1 in the round of 16.

In the AFC Asian Cup competition, the Socceroos have made a name for themselves as their credentials see them flaunting silverware, which they clinched in 2015 when they were the hosts, defeating South Korea 2-1 after extra-time in Sydney. This marked their second appearance in the finals, following a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Japan on January 29th, 2011. 

Their most recent match was a friendly clash against Bahrain, which witnessed them secure a hard-fought 2-0 triumph at the Baniyas Stadium, extending their winning streak to four matches since a 1-0 defeat to England on October 13th, 2023.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Gauci; Atkinson, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; McGree, O'Neill, Irvine, Goodwin; Duke, Boyle

India

FIFA Ranking: 102nd

India, on the other hand, has nothing to report when it comes to the World Cup endeavor, as their last appearance was in 1950, qualifying for the group stages by default. Since then, they haven't made any appearances up to this date, although the desire to do so remains strong in their minds.

India has matched Australia's participation in this competition, totaling five appearances, although they've yet to clinch silverware. The Blue Tigers have only made one appearance in the final, and that was in 1964 against then-hosts Israel, losing 2-0. This was marked down on paper as their best finish to date.

Their last competitive match was against Qatar in the second round of the World Cup qualifier group stage campaign, where they lost 3-0 at the Kalinga Stadium, although they did manage to pick up their first three points by defeating Kuwait 1-0 away from home in the opening match. This has seen them occupy third place in Group A.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Sandhu; Poojary, Jhingan, Bheke, Bose; Wangjam, Ralte; N. Singh, Samad, Chhangte; Chhteri

Match Facts

• Australia have won six of their last eleven home matches in the AFC Asian Cup.
• India have yet to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches in the AFC Asian Cup.
• Australia averages 1.9 goals per game when playing at home, and India averages 1.2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

These two sides have only faced each other once, back in 2011 during the AFC Asian Cup. In that encounter, Australia comfortably emerged as 4-0 winners on the road.

Expert Betting Tips

Despite excluding several well-known players from the squad, Graham Arnold maintains optimism regarding his team's prospects in the AFC Asian Cup. Facing a vulnerable India side could serve as confirmation that his relatively inexperienced squad has the potential to advance further in this competition.

India faces a daunting challenge as they confront Australia in the initial round of the AFC Asian Cup. Their track record in the AFC Asian Cup doesn't do them any justice in instilling confidence, as they have lost five of their last six matches, and little can be expected from them in this one other than a convincing defeat.

Therefore, we expect the home side to secure a commanding win when all is said and done by backing them up in the full-time market combined with the total of over 3.5 goals.

• W1 & TO 3.5 for 2.02
• Anytime Goalscorer - Martin Boyle for 2.16
• Correct Score - Australia 5-0 India for 8.50