Former captain expects Indian fightback against Japan in AFC

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Home ground, familiar conditions and reverting to the tried and tested 4-4-2 formation would do India a world of good in tomorrow's AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Japan and the visitors would found going quite tough against the hosts, predicted former national captain Prasun Banerjee.

With four defeats on the trot, Prasun argued India would be playing for pride and with coach Bob Houghton announcing that he would revert to the 4-4-2 formation for the tie, India would be playing to its strength.

''After four defeats, you have nothing to lose now but everything to gain. And they would be playing in Bangalore, the perfect venue for the tie. I'm glad that Houghton has decided to fall back on 4-4-2. Attack was never our forte and in our previous matches, we paid the price for being what we are not. We conceded so many goals while trying to go all out.

''But Houghton is an experienced coach and realised that defence is our main strength. I expect it to be a close match with the scoreline reading 1-0 in favour of Japan. I won't be surprised if India forces a draw,'' he told UNI over phone.

The Arjuna awardee felt the players were keyed up for the tie and they would give their best tomorrow.

''I have spoken to Baichung (Bhutia), Mehrajuddin (Waddoo) and Sandip Nandi and they are keen to make amends this time. You can feel their desperation and I'm hopeful of a good show tomorrow,'' he said.

Prasun, however, felt Mehrajuddin's injury could affect the team's show.

''Mehraj is tall, much in the mould of the Iranian players and I think he will be missed tomorrow. Though (NP) Prdaeep, his substitute, is a good player, Mehraj's presence would have really helped,'' he explained.

Prasun also felt inducting Dipendu Biswas could have added to the team attack.

''I think if there was one player Houghton could pencil in, it is Dipendu. He has been in tremendous form and finding the net regularly,'' he added.

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