Match: Thailand v Australia
Date: 15 November, Tuesday
Time: 8pm SGT/5:30pm IST/12pm GMT
Competition: 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifier
Venue: Rajamangala National Stadium, Thailand
TV Channel: Fox Sports will provide live TV coverage of the match in Singapore.
Live Streaming: The match can be watched online on AFC's official Youtube channel.
Overview
Thailand host Australia in the fifth round of Group B in the Asian qualifying leg for 2018 Fifa World Cup at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday.
The hosts, who are currently mourning the death of their late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, agreed to host the tie after making a futile attempt at considering alternate venues. Notably, the Australians arrived in the Southeast Asian country in advance to get used to the conditions.
Thailand have had a poor run so far in the qualifying tournament having lost all their four outings so far in the group. After losing a closely-fought battle against group leaders Saudi Arabia in September, the War Elephants raised hopes of giving a stiff fight to the stronger group mates.
However, the energy fizzled out as they lost 2-0 to Japan shortly after the defeat in Riyadh. The slump continued as they went down 3-1 against United Arab Emirates last month which was followed by a crushing 4-0 defeat against Iraq.
Kiatisuk Senamuang's side, who are fast growing in the region, have been able to net only one goal. The War Elephants though will look to garner some momentum for their title defense at the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup, starting 19 November.
A lot will depend on 23-year-old Muangthong United forward, Chanathip Songkrasin, to do the job up front for the home side on Wednesday. The Thais cannot afford to sit back and wait for counter attacking opportunities, a tactic that worked against them in their game against Japan.
While Kawin Thamsatchanan has been promising for the War Elephants between the sticks, centre-backs Tanaboon Kesarat and Koravit Namwiset will have to pull up their socks if they are to have a chance against the strong Australia attack.
On the other hand, the Australians will want to cut down on Saudi Arabia's lead at the top of the group with a win against the Thais. They have lost Tomi Juric and Massimo Luongo to injuries and Tim Cahill has been rested for the tie.
TV Schedule
Australia: Fox Sports 4
Thailand: Fox Sports, BBTV Channel 7
Indonesia: Fox Sports
Cambodia: Fox Sports
Hong Kong: Fox Sports
Philippines: Fox Sports
Myanmar: Fox Sports
Malaysia: Fox Sports
Team News
Thailand
Possible XI: Thamsatchanan, Do, Kesarat, Narmwiset, Bunmathan; Anan, Tossakai, Songkrasin, Chanabut, Yooyen; Dangda
Australia XI: Ryan, Smith, Spiranovic, Sainsbury, McGowan; Brattan, Jedinak, Mooy, Rogic; Irvine, Giannou
