After winning their first game in the Asian Cup after a gap of 54 years, the Indian football team is on cloud nine. Next up for the team is the United Arab Emirates who are one of the strongest sides in the tournament. The hosts finished third in the 2015 Asian Cup and with a draw in their opening game, they will likely come with more venom against the Indians. The Men in Blue have caught the imagination of an entire nation with a fine showing against Thailand but UAE presents a challenge far tougher in nature.

India under Stephen Constantine has lost just thrice in eleven games and this includes crucial away draws against Oman and China. Sunil Chettri may not have had the captain’s armband against Thailand but his performance was that of a leader in complete control of his troops. Two brilliantly taken goals and an assist marked the Indian striker’s brilliant outing. Jeje Lalpekhlua may have lost out his place in the starting eleven to Ashiq Kuruniyan but his goal has now put him in contention for a start. The defence led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika is the best India have had in a decade or so and they will need to be resolute once again against UAE.

UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni is under pressure with many media houses tipping his job is far from safe after a disappointing start to the campaign. Zlatko Dalic who led Croatia to a World Cup final is being tipped to take over the reins of UAE football team. They have also been hit by injury concerns to full back Bandar Mohammed and defender Ismail Ahmed. They have quality strikers in their rank in the form of Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil. India is vulnerable particularly against the set-pieces and the physicality of the gulf players could prove costly.

UAE are the favourites to win the game but India will not go down without a fight. Recent draw with Oman and a close defeat to Jordan has proved the team can fight against strong opposition in their own backyard. A point will get the Indian fan dreaming of making it to the next round, something unthinkable about two years ago.

When is India vs UAE, AFC Asian Cup 2019 Football Match? Know the Date, Time and Venue Details

India will lock horns with UAE in AFC Asian Cup 2019 on January 10, i.e. Thursday. The game is scheduled to start at 9.30 pm (IST). The competition will take place at Zayed Sports City Stadium, United Arab Emirates.

Where to Watch the Live Telecast of India vs UAE, AFC Asian Cup 2019 Football Match?

Star Sports Network is the official broadcaster of AFC Asian Cup 2019 in India. The fans in India will be able to watch the live action on Star Sports' channels. Also, the viewers in the Southeast Asian regions and Australia can watch the football match on FOX Sports Network.

How to Watch the Free Live Streaming Online of India vs UAE, AFC Asian Cup 2019 Football Match?

If the viewers want to watch it via online streaming, then that option is available too. The AFC Asian Cup 2019 match between India and UAE can be seen live on Star Sports' live streaming service, i.e. Hotstar, by clicking here.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2019 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).