The India and Nepal combined XI

Ahead of the much-awaited India vs Nepal international friendly in Siliguri on Tuesday, Sportskeeda selects a combined eleven. Only the players that are available for this match have been considered for selection.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh (India)

The 27-year-old Salgaocar custodian has been the most consistent goalkeeper in the I-League for the last three seasons and also performed brilliantly at the 2011 SAFF Championship. Karanjit lost his place in the national team to the more highly rated Subrata Pal but produced a good display against the Philippines and should start in this game also.

Right Back: Biraj Maharjan (Nepal)

The defender did well at SAFF 2013 both offensively and defensively and will be looking to build on that in this international friendly. Before coming to Siliguri, Biraj helped his club Three Star reach the semi-finals of the Sikkim Governor’s Cup and seems to have established himself as one of the first names in Nepal coach Jack Stefanowski’s team sheet.

Centre Back: Arnab Mondal (India)

The East Bengal man has possibly been India’s most consistent central defender of 2013 as he has been performing well for both club and country. Arnab did well at the SAFF Championship where he also netted the winner in the semi-final against Maldives. Despite having only seven international caps, Arnab is currently the most reliable centre-back in the national team.

Centre Back: Sagar Thapa (Nepal)

The Nepal skipper was one of the best central defenders at the SAFF Championship as he looked strong in the air and comfortable in possession. With more than 50 caps at international level, Sagar is the most experienced player in the current Nepal team and has also been playing for his club MMC in the Sikkim Governors Gold Cup. He will have to be at his best if Nepal wants to get a result on Tuesday.

Left Back: Rabin Shrestha (Nepal)

The 22-year-old Nepal Police defender was the best left back of SAFF 2013 and also adjudged Nepal’s player of the tournament. Rabin has the potential to become the best player in his position in the SAFF region but must be consistent over a long period of time. A good showing against India will be a step in that direction and he also has the chance to catch the attention of some I-League clubs.

Right Midfield: Francis Fernandes (India)

The Salgaocar medio was undoubtedly India’s best player at SAFF 2013 and is possibly the most improved player under Wim Koevermans. Francis has always been important at Salgaocar because of his versatility but over the last 18 months he has also been producing quality and established into an important player in the national team.

Central Midfield: Mehtab Hossain (India)

India’s midfield general gave up a chance to have trials in Spain to play for the national team at SAFF 2013 and played a key role in the team’s run to the final. Mehtab is a big contender to be AIFF Player of the Year this time for his consistency at club and international level. An India team without Mehtab in the side is currently unimaginable.

Central Midfield: Lenny Rodrigues (India)

The FPAI Indian player of the year had a dip in form at SAFF 2013 and even in the I-League but Lenny reminded everyone about his quality with a solid display against a technically superior Philippines outfit. Lenny remains one of the fittest players in the India team and is the only one who can be considered a long-term replacement for one of the all-time best midfielders in the SAFF region, Climax Lawrence.

Left Midfield: Jagjeet Shrestha (Nepal)

Nicknamed as Nepali Messi, Jagjeet struggled with injuries during SAFF 2013 but remains one of the most exciting players in the sub-continent. The 21-year-old is a quick player with plenty of trickery and will be determined to impress in this friendly to confirm that he is worth the hype.

Forward: Anil Gurung (Nepal)

The former Shillong Lajong striker had a roller-coaster SAFF 2013 as he only played well in patches which included a goal in the win over India. But Anil remains one of the best finishers of the region and he is showing that for his club MMC also in the ongoing Sikkim Governors Gold Cup. He wants to play in the I-League again and thus will want to prove a point in this match.

Forward: Sunil Chhetri (India)

The India captain is undoubtedly one of the most popular players in the SAFF region but had been heavily criticised for his performances in SAFF 2013, where he was also dropped from the side in the final. But Sunil showed against higher-ranked Philippines that class is permanent and remains hungry for more goals at club and international level.