A fresh and new look Maldives with a new coach takes on Bhutan on the AFC Cup match tomorrow at Galholhu National Stadium. Maldives lost the friendly match it played against Singapore in preparation for the match by a score of 3-2. While the new coach gave some youngsters and new player a chance to prove themselves we will have to wait and see who will make the final starting eleven.

Maldives are the clear favourite for this match given that they have won the past 4 meetings between the two teams. Bhutan is yet to win against Maldives. The matches between these two teams in the recent past has been exciting given that they have produced a lot of goals. We can expect the same when they meet tomorrow night.

Looking at the form of Bhutan, they has lost all its matches in the AFC Cup played so far. This includes the match played between Bhutan and Maldives last year in the tournament. They have no points and are clearly struggling at this tournament. Their biggest challenge for Bhutan in the Maldives would the change of environment and weather, coming from a very cold climate to the tropical weather of Maldives. The humidity and the heat would play a role, but given that the match is played at night, this should make it more bearable for the team.

Maldives have just one win under their belt in this tournament, which is the win against bhutan. Football Association of Maldives had an initial target of group runners up, thereby qualifying for the AFC cup. But given the results so far its improbably that Maldives can achieve this.

But with a new coach they can perhaps plan ahead and develop a team for the future. The remaining matches of the AFC Cup would give them the much-needed experience and match practice.

BoalhaMV predicted line up

BoalhaMV prediction: Comfortable 3-1 with to the Maldives.

Photo credits: ImagesMV, - Mohamed Ahsan