Thailand coach Bryan Robson is likely to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up against Malaysia in the Suzuki Cup today.
The match at Gelora Bung Kano stadium kicks off at 5pm and will be televised live on Channel 7 and Star Sports.
In the other Group A match of the Southeast Asian championship, Indonesia meet Laos.
Thailand needed a last-gasp strike to secure a 2-2 draw with Laos in their opening game. Robson rested several key players because they were tired after a long domestic season.
"It is going to be a big game for both sides because it could decide who will reach the semi-finals. The team which wins will surely qualify for the semi-finals," said the English coach.
The former Manchester United captain said his players were now fully fit.
"I am now happier than I was before the Laos game. We trained this morning and the players looked fresh," he said.
"I hope we will get a good result."
He said he would make several changes to the line-up and midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao, who came on from the bench to inspire the Thais in the Laos match, will start.
Robson said Malaysia had a couple of good players and his men should not underestimate them although they were hammered 5-1 by Indonesia in their first game.
"We must be patient and try to break down Malaysia," said the ex-England skipper.
While he was disappointed that England failed to win the right to host the 2018 World Cup, he said the setback would not affect his relationship with the Football Association of Thailand.
"It has nothing to do with my job. I will continue my job as the coach of Thailand," he said.
Malaysian coach Rajagobal Krishnasamy said Thailand could play better than they did against Laos and both teams need a result today.
"It will be a do-or-die match for Thailand and Malaysia," he said.
He said he would make changes to the line-up after the Indonesia defeat.
"We have tried to motivate the players after losing so heavily and to try to organise a strategy for them to play against our opponents. We will see how things go in training and we are planning to make changes in defence, midfield and in goal," the coach said.
"Of course, the Thais are the strongest team here but we still want to find a way to win this game. We are missing eight of our players here, but that is not an excuse for me."
Group B which features Vietnam, Singapore, Burma and the Philippines is in Hanoi. The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals.
Source: Bangkok Post
Thailand ready for Malaysia today
Mans™ | Saturday, December 4, 2010 | Labels: Bangkok Post, Bryan Robson, Datsakorn Thonglao, Laos, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Star Sports, Thailand
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