The Indian men’s hockey team will take on Spain in a Pool A match in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at the Oi Hockey Stadium's South pitch on July 27, Tuesday.
After a thrilling 3-2 win against New Zealand in their Tokyo Olympics opener, the Men in Blue suffered an embarrassing 1-7 defeat against Australia on Sunday.
With three points from two matches, the Manpreet Singh-led India will need to register a win against Spain to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
On the other hand, the Spain men’s hockey team has made a disappointing start to their Olympics campaign. The Redsticks had started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Argentina and followed it with 3-4 loss versus New Zealand. Spain are currently placed fifth in Pool A points table with just one point from two fixtures.
India vs Spain Dream 11 prediction
World no.4 India will start as favourites against Spain, who are currently ranked ninth in the FIH world ranking. Furthermore, the Men in Blue thrashed Spain 6-1 in 2019 in their tour of Belgium. Going by current form and past records, India are tipped to add three points to their tally on Tuesday.
India vs Spain Dream 11 team tips for Tokyo 2020 Olympics men’s hockey
Top tip: Best Goalkeeper
For the goalkeeper spot, India’s Sreejesh Parattu will be the preferred choice over Quico Cortés of Spain. Sreejesh has been one of the standout players for the Men in Blue, making critical saves to help his side secure a 3-2 win against New Zealand.
Top tip: Best Defenders
In the defence, Spain captain Miquel Delas and Josep Romeu are must-haves in your fantasy team. The Spanish duo brings a lot of experience having collectively played for Spain over 300 times.
From the Indian side, picking Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh in your team are no-brainers. Both Harmanpreet and Rupinder are specialised drag-flickers, who are also world-class defenders.
Top tip: Best Midfielders
For the midfield role, one must pick Spain’s Marc Sallés in their fantasy. Sallés, who has more than 250 caps for the Spanish side, has been one of the top midfielders in the world. Alongside Sallés, one must add India captain Manpreet Singh in their team. Manpreet brings a lot of quality into any side, having represented India in three Olympics so far.
Top tip: Best Forwards
One must pick Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Dilpreet Singh in their forward line. The Indian duo bring a cutting edge along with their raw pace and incision.
From the Spanish side, picking Spain’s veteran forward Pau Quemada is a must. The 37-year-old has been a mainstay for the Spanish side, having represented the national side almost 300 times.
India vs Spain probable playing XI
India probable playing XI: Sreejesh Parattu (goalkeeper), Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Amit Rohidas, Birendra Lakra, Manpreet Singh (captain), Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
Spain probable playing XI: Quico Cortés (goalkeeper), Alejandro Alonso, Josep Romeu, Marc Sallés, Miquel Delas (captain), Quique González, David Alegre, Roc Oliva, Xavi Lleonart, Viçens Ruiz, Pau Quemada
Featured photo: Twitter/HockeyIndia
