Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac is confident of a "good result" in the defending Suzuki Cup champions' second Group B game against Indonesia on Saturday despite suffering an eleventh-hour setback in the form of injury to defender Manuel Tom Bihr.
The War Elephants go into the match at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium, which will be televised live by Channel 7 HD and Fox Sports 2 from 6.30pm, knowing that they can't afford a slip-up.
Thailand lead Group B with three points from one game. Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore also have three points each, while Timor Leste have yet to pick up their first point.
Two tough assignments loom for the two-time defending champions after today's battle as Thailand are scheduled to travel to Bacolod to face the Philippines on Wednesday before hosting Singapore next Sunday.
Thailand had an ideal start to their bid to complete a hat-trick of the Southeast Asian football championship titles last week when they hammered whipping boys Timor Leste 7-0 in their first Group B match.
Indonesia, runners-up at the 2016 tournament, lost their first game to Singapore 1-0, but bounced back with a 3-1 home victory over Timor Leste.
Rajevac is not worried by Bihr's absence from the team. The True Bangkok United defender left the national team training camp to get treatment for a thigh injury from his club's doctor.
The Serbian coach added that his team had done their homework for the Indonesia game.
"We have studied their [the Indonesians'] game well and I hope that we will have a good result in this match," Rajevac told a press conference.
"They are a good team but I am confident that the Thai team can beat them and claim three points from this game. We are looking forward to the game."
Rajevac added: "As for the absence of Manuel Tom Bihr, I am sure we have players who can replace him."
Indonesia coach Bima Sakti said: "Our team has gained a lot of confidence after beating Timor Leste.
"I am sure we are capable of springing a surprise against Thailand.
"I have told my players to be careful of Adisak [Kraisorn], who scored six goals in Thailand's first game. He is a player to be kept under a tight vigil all the time.
"This match is like a decider for us. If we lose to Thailand here our chances of making it to the next round will suffer a big blow.
"The players are always under pressure when they play Thailand, but we trying to lift their spirits and we do hope to score a win."
Indonesia captain Hansamu Yama compared Saturday's match to a cup final as the Garudas aim to keep their hopes alive in the Suzuki Cup.
"This game is really important," said Hansamu. "It will go a long way in deciding our fate in the competition and demonstrating whether or not we are good enough to make the semi-finals."
Meanwhile, Buriram United's Pansa Hemviboon is hoping to get a chance to play against Indonesia in place of Manuel after missing the first game against Timor Leste due to injury.
Pansa said: "Manuel's withdrawal is bound to have some effect on the team but we have to move on.
"I am fit again and if I am picked to play in the Indonesia game, I will put in my best effort to help the national team. We need three points from this match."
Thailand beat Indonesia in the two-legged final in 2016.