BURI RAM : Buriram United are hoping to make a return to the AFC Champions League (ACL) group stages with a win over Brisbane Roar in today's one-off match.
Buriram United coach Attaphol Buspakom, left, and Suchao Nutnum address the media.
The play-off at the Thai FA Cup champions' I-Mobile stadium kicks off at 6pm and will be shown live on Channel 7.
The Australian league champions were initially drawn to host the tie but they agreed to travel to Thailand because of other engagements.
The winning side will be in Group E along with FC Seoul of South Korea, Vegalta Sendai of Japan and China's Jiangsu Sainty.
Buriram coach Attaphol Buspakom yesterday said his players would fight Brisbane's strong and skilful players with their pace and accurate passes.
"We have brought in several new players but this should not affect our performance," he said.
His new signings include forward Ariel Santana from Costa Rica and Thai-Swiss midfielder Charyl Chappuis.
"We are ready and looking forward to a win," he said. "A return to the AFC Champions League is our target."
Apart from captain Suchao Nutnum, who needs a late fitness test, and injured Jakkraphan Kaewprom, who is ruled out, the Thunder Castle are otherwise at full strength.
With their top striker Frank Acheampong having moved to Belgian league leaders Anderlecht, Buriram's strike force will be led by Goran Jerkovic.
"Apart from Jakkraphan and I, other players are fully fit," Suchao said.
"I am confident that we will win and advance to the group phase."
Buriram and Brisbane were both eliminated in the group phase last year.
Brisbane coach Mike Mulvey said injured defender Matt Smith was his only absentee.
"We sent someone to scout Buriram during their pre-season and are very impressed by their achievements," said Mulvey, who replaced Rado Vidosic in December.
"Therefore, we will not take anything for granted as we realise that it will be a difficult game for us."
Brisbane's key players include former Germany B midfielder Thomas Broich, Bulgarian striker Besart Berisha and Dutch forward Stef Nijland, who is on loan from PSV Eindhoven.
The Roar have been in an unconvincing form this season and are languishing in eighth spot in the 10-team A-League after a 2-1 defeat at Sydney FC on Sunday.