Friendly against Nepal to shape Bangladesh’s India plans

Bangladesh will look to find the right combination and fine-tune their strategy for the upcoming India fixture when they face Nepal in an international friendly at the National Stadium today.

The match kicks off at 8:00pm.

After being eliminated from the group stage of Asian Cup Qualifiers with two home defeats and two away draws, Bangladesh are now focused on restoring some pride in their remaining two matches against India and Singapore. Head coach Javier Cabrera is expected to give as many players as possible some match time, as he looks to finalise his preferred eleven for the November 18 clash against India.

With midfielder Sheikh Morsalin ruled out through injury and Fahamedul Islam suspended, Cabrera is set to make a couple of changes to the starting eleven that earned a 1-1 draw in their last away match against Hong Kong last month.

Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome joined the camp late and took part in one full training session, suggesting he may get some minutes against Nepal before the India match.

Cabrera's charges will also be wary of a motivated Nepal side, who have not lost to Bangladesh in their last five meetings since a 2-0 defeat at this very venue back in 2000.

The two sides last met in Kathmandu in September, playing out a goalless draw in a dull affair. This time, Cabrera is expected to make better use of set-pieces against Nepal, who may themselves benefit from their familiarity with several Bangladeshi players -- eight members of their current national squad play in the Bangladesh Football League.