Three changes likely as Bangladesh face Sri Lanka

With a semi-final place already secured, Bangladesh will look to finish the group stage on a high note when they face Sri Lanka in their final Group A match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium today. Beyond fine-tuning their preparations for the knockout stage, the hosts will also be eager to finish as group leaders and carry winning momentum into the last four.

The match kicks off at 8:00pm, with private television channel T Sports set to broadcast it live. Earlier in the day, defending champions India will take on the Maldives in the other fixture, scheduled to begin at 3:30pm.

Bangladesh lead the Group A standings with three points following their 1-0 victory over Bhutan in the opening match. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have one point after drawing 2-2 with Bhutan. A draw against Sri Lanka would be enough for Bangladesh to retain top spot, while a victory would provide an additional boost ahead of the semi-finals.

Despite having already booked their place in the last four, head coach Thomas Dooley is expected to field a strong side against Sri Lanka, with three changes likely from the team that started against Bhutan.

The biggest boost for the hosts is the availability of star midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who missed the opening match because of his club commitments in England. The Sheffield United midfielder has since joined the national team and is expected to make his tournament debut today.

England-based forward Farhaan Ali Wahid has also joined the squad, giving Dooley another option in attack. Mohammad Ibrahim, who came off the bench to score the winner against Bhutan, could also earn a starting place.

However, Bangladesh have a concern over defender Bishwanath Ghosh, who played as a makeshift centre-forward against Bhutan. The defender picked up an injury ahead of the Sri Lanka match and is unlikely to feature, with Ibrahim expected to take over the attacking role.

Farhaan could replace Foysal Ahmed Fahim on the left wing, while Hamza's inclusion is likely to bring a change in the midfield combination. Syed Quazem Kirmanee Shah is also expected to feature in the starting XI.

Bangladesh's probable XI: Mehedi Hasan Srabon; Zidane Alexander Yousuf, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Syed Quazem Kirmanee Shah, Zayyan Ahmed; Saad Uddin, Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome; Rakib Hossain, Mohammad Ibrahim, Farhaan Ali Wahid.