A depleted Thailand, with only 12 outfield players, will meet China in a friendly in Wuhan today.
The other three players in the 15-man squad are goalkeepers and caretaker coach Choketawee Promrat yesterday told his players to avoid injury or being sent off during the match.
"We have only two outfield players on the bench so the starters must be careful,'' he said.
"You must try to avoid injury or red card."
Thai Premier League chairman Ong-arj Kosinkha, who is in Wuhan as representative of the Football Association of Thailand, said he hoped his men would get at least a draw.
"This is an important match because it offers Fifa world ranking points," Ong-arj said.
Thailand secured a 5-1 away win at China in a friendly last year and their U23 side also beat the Chinese at the recent Asian Games.
China coach Alain Perrin said: ''We know that Thailand are a good team. China have had poor results against Thailand lately.
"We will do our best to beat Thailand."
Meanwhile, Thailand's U19 team defeated Iran 2-1 in their opening match at the Asian Championship in Myanmar yesterday.
The top-four finishers will qualify for next year's U20 World Cup in New Zealand.