Thailand and Malaysia will fight for third place in Group D in Asia's second round of World Cup qualifying when they meet on Tuesday.

It has been a frustrating campaign for the two countries, who are both unable to make it through to the next stage of qualifying.

Match preview

Thailand led Group D after three games by winning two and drawing one of their opening fixtures, but they have picked up just two points in four games since then.

The War Elephants have not won in their last seven matches, dating back to October 2019; they have not been short of goals in that time, netting once a game on average, but have conceded at a rate of two goals per game.

A 3-1 defeat to the United Arab Emirates last Monday firmly ended their hopes of reaching the next stage of qualifying as it left them third in the table; all group winners automatically progress along with the four best runners-up.

Despite their disappointment, manager Akira Nishino praised his players for "giving their all", and they will be keen to defeat their neighbours and end the group on a high.

Malaysia's own hopes of reaching the third round of qualifying were dashed on Friday as they lost 2-1 to Vietnam on the same night that the second-place UAE thrashed Indonesia 5-0.

It left Tan Cheng Hoe's side in fourth place and behind Thailand only on goal difference, meaning it is all to play for on Tuesday.

Malaysia have lost all four of their fixtures in 2021 so far, having ended 2019 with three consecutive victories (they did not play at all in 2020). They have conceded 12 times in those four games and scored just two goals.

When the two countries last met in November 2019, Malaysia came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Brendan Gan and Mohamadou Sumareh.

Team News

Adisak Kraisorn is likely to return to the Thailand starting lineup to lead the line upfront after Supachai Chaided was ineffectual last time out.

Teenage forward Suphanat Muenta netted his third goal in his sixth international appearance against the UAE and should keep his place in Thailand's attack.

Former Belgium youth player Dion Cools made his debut for Malaysia earlier this month and should earn his third cap at full-back.

Brazilian born forward Guilherme is another dual-nationality player who is a new addition to the squad; he has instantly become Malaysia's main attacking threat with two goals in four matches.

Thailand possible starting lineup:
Tedsungnoen; Weerawatnodom, Bihr, Thongsong, Haiprakhon; Yooyen, Puangchan; Panya, Sarachat, Muenta; Kraisorn

Malaysia possible starting lineup:
Marlias; Davies, Zafuan, Corbin-Ong, Cools; Gan, Kutty, Azih; Rasid, Guilherme, Sumareh

We say: Thailand 1-1 Malaysia

Thailand's potential was shown early on in Group G before their performances dropped off, but they should be favourites here against a Malaysia side on a poor run of results. Nonetheless, the Tigers have still shown signs of promise and are integrating a new group of players into their side, so will hold their own; we think that it will end all square.

Written by
Olly Allen

Previews by email