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Published on November 9, 2007

Veteran midfielder Tawan Sripan and left-back Natthaporn Panlit are likely to miss the game as they are yet to recover from their injuries.

It added to the woes of coach Chanvit Pholchivin whose side are finding it tough to negotiate the tricky weather conditions in Yemen.

Apart from the typically energy-sapping desert conditions, the Thai team are feeling uncomfortable playing in the high-altitude atmosphere as the host city Sana'a is situated around 2,300m above sea level.

"I'm quite worried about the conditions here. If the game is played at a high tempo, the players are likely to get tired quickly. So, we will alternate our play between quick and slow approaches so that the lads can last the whole game," Chanvit said.

According to Chanvit, tests indicated that Tawan and Natthaporn were not fit enough for the match and he would rather save them for the return fixture which will be held in a fortnight's time.

Jakrit Boonkum will come in for the injured Tawan in midfield, while Nathapong Samana will stand in for Natthaporn at defence.

In anticipation that the hosts would take the game to his side, Chanvit has put his faith on Teerasil Daengda to lead the frontline in tandem with Sarayoot Chaikamdee.

He believes that the duo's pace would be useful when the Thais look to exploit the gap at the back left by the home team.

Chanvit singled out forward Ali AlNono as the home side's main attacking threat.

"From our scouting data, we have learnt that they have a dangerous striker in Ali Al Nono. I have told the lads to keep a close eye on him. Despite being deprived of two big players, I don't think defeat is a possibility. I'm convinced that we can win," he said.

The game, which is due to take place at the Ali Muhsin AlMuriasi Stadium, will kick off at 8.15pm (Bangkok time).

The Nation