The Thai team have so far performed superbly in the quadrangular tournament, claiming back-to-back victories against Bahrain (3-0) and New Zealand (1-0). Chanwit Polchivin's side are now at the summit thanks to goal difference and look well placed to lift the title as nothing less than a draw against the hosts, who also have six points, will be enough to take the top honours.

Despite coming off with two morale-boosting wins ahead of the crucial game, Chanwit has one major concern in his team selection after experienced striker Suthee Suksomkit left yesterday to resume his club duty for Singapore S-League outfit Home United.

The absence of pacy forward Suthee, who shone in the unfamiliar role of left-side midfielder in the first two games, forced Chanwit to adjust his tactics against the Vietnamese, who excel in attacking from both sides.

"The Vietnamese are good on both wings so I think the pairing of Teeratep Winothai and Aekapan Intasen up front would not be suitable for this game," said Chanwit, who led Thailand to their seventh successive SEA Games title last year in the Philippines.

"We will change to 4-3-3 system to counter the threat by putting emphasis on both sides as the Vietnamese backs have to come forward to support their attackers. So, if we could block their supply line on both wings, we should be successful in counter-attacking. Our midfielders must be alert in their defensive roles.

"I think the opening goal will decide the game. Whoever scores first will gain the upper-hand. So we should try to keep playing with as least mistakes as we can.

The longer the game wears on, the pressure will be much more on them," added Chanwit.

Virat Chanpanich, the assistant Thai team manager, insisted his team would not play for a draw and believed the pressure would get the better of the Vietnamese if his side could hang on for long periods.

"Although we do not mind if the game ends in a draw, we will try to play safe instead of focusing on defending," he said. "The midfield must be tight because I think the battle in the middle of the park will be fierce.

"If the first half ends nil-nil, I am certain they will be under much pressure and if they try harder to open the scoring, they will leave holes in their defence for us to exploit."

Channel 11 will televise the match between Thailand and Vietnam live from 5.30pm today.