India are riding high after a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Thailand in their Asian Cup 2019 opener.

The hosts UAE, however, struggled to make anything of their game against Bahrain and drew 1-1 in the tournament opener.

India still go into the game as underdogs but will go with confidence.

But who is the favourite? Does Stephen Constantine have another trick up his sleeve? Will UAE coach Albert Zaccheroni go all out for that win?

We asked a few former India players and some current players as well on what they expect from the game.

Here’s what they had to say:

Bhaichung Bhutia

(Indian football legend and former captain of the national team)

India is a good team. I am confident now that they can carry on to the next round. You can’t relax.

It’s a tough game because they are playing at home. I think with the preparations for the Asian Cup and the way they have prepared, they have been consistent even in the friendlies.

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Renedy Singh

(former India captain, midfielder; Commentator on Star Sports)

We have played UAE before in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. We beat them 1-0 at home on April 8, 2001, and lost by 1-0 in Dubai on April 26, 2001. Bhaichung was sent off in that match and we were playing with 10 men. That was back then.

Ashique Kuruniyan has done really well for FC Pune City and has developed as a player since that stint with Villarreal. The coach has seen that and used him well in the game against Thailand.

However, this game will be different. India will have to play in a compact way and wait for the right moment to attack.

ALSO SEE - India v UAE - Predicted XI

Steven Dias

(former India midfielder, known as the David Beckham of India. Currently the coach of Ambitious Football Academy in Mumbai)

I think we will win 1-0 if they play according to strength and this coach is really intelligent. He knows what UAE’s weakness is. I think if we use this and play according to our strengths, we will definitely win this 1-0.

The entire squad of the national team is enjoying good form now. Gurpreet is key to keep the clean sheet for India. The rock-solid defence we have got under Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika will have a major role to play in this match.

UAE will go all out in this game, I feel. The first match is always important and since they drew their first game 1-1 with Bahrain, I am 100 per cent sure that they will play attacking football.

The way we played in the second half against Thailand, if we play like that, we can win this.

ALSO READ - 5 Emirati stars to look out for

Next slide: What the current players have to say about the match

Robin Singh

(Indian national team and FC Pune City striker)

It won’t be an easy task against UAE but this team would be confident after their performance against Thailand so I am hoping we can take that confidence into the game against UAE.

It was a complete team performance in the last match against Thailand and the team needs to keep pushing and keep working hard and the results should follow.

Sunil Chhetri’s had a great start and I wish him and the rest of the team good luck. Ashique Kuruniyan was brilliant in the game, I hope he continues this form for both country and club.

Erik Paartalu

(Bengaluru FC’s Australian midfielder)

India can expect the toughest game of their careers. A team playing in front of their home crowd who need a win to ensure they go through to the next round.

I think Pronay Halder, who was superb in the first game is a key to this one. Needs to be smart when to step out of position and when not to in order to balance attack and defence. He will need to stop things if necessary and slow the game down and to be communicating all over the place.

My prediction is a 0-0 draw with the Indian defence staying strong throughout the 90 minutes.

Nikhil Poojary

(FC Pune City winger who made his India debut under coach Stephen Constantine)

The team is highly motivated after the last game and I believe that if they play with the same mindset, we can definitely come on top.

My prediction is that India will win 1-0. Fingers crossed.

What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments.

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