Bangladesh will take the field against India tonight with a refreshed starting XI featuring Shekh Morsalin and Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome, while senior midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan and Sohel Rana (Jr) have been dropped to the bench. The high-voltage Asian Cup qualifier begins at 8:00pm at the National Stadium, where a houseful gallery is ready to feel thunderous atmosphere.

Morsalin returns after recovering from injury and is set to add creativity and forward link-up in midfield. Shome, who impressed with his energetic second-half display against Nepal, has been handed a starting spot as coach Javier Cabrera looks to strengthen control in the centre.

Fans began filling the stands hours before kickoff, turning the stadium into a packed sea of red and green ahead of one of the region’s fiercest football rivalries.

Bangladesh’s starting XI includes Mitul Marma in goal, with a defensive line of Topu Barman, Tariq Kazi, Zayan Ahmed and Saad Uddin. The midfield features Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana (Sr), Shamit Shome and Shekh Morsalin, while Rakib Hossain and Faisal Ahmed Fahim lead the attack.