Thailand must get a result against Iran in Teheran today to revive their flagging Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
Thailand coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong, centre, gives instructions to his players during their friendly against Bahrain last week.
It will be Surachai Jaturapattarapong's first competitive match as national coach and he believes his men can get at least a point against the Iranians.
Thailand are still looking for their first point in Group B having lost 3-1 at home to Kuwait and 5-2 at Lebanon in their first two games.
Iran, who lead the group with four points, have never lost to Thailand, winning nine games and drawing the others. In their most recent meeting in 2010, Iran won 1-0.
Surachai began his reign as Thailand coach on Thursday with a 1-0 win against Bahrain in a warm-up match in Bangkok.
"The Bahrain win has boosted our players' confidence," Surachai said.
"Our players are looking forward to the Iran match."
He said Iran, who have qualified for the 2014 World Cup, were a strong side with most of their players coming from their domestic champions Esteghlal.
"Their teamwork is good and they will be backed by probably 100,000 people at Azadi Stadium," he said.
"Our backs are against the wall and we must get at least a point to stay alive in the qualifying round. If we lose again, our campaign will effectively end.
"The weather is in the region of 18-20C, which is just fine for us"
Goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool will captain the side with star striker Teerasil Dangda leading the attack alongside Chatree Chimtalay.
Iran coach Carlos Quieroz was also confident, insisting the fixture was of heightened importance.
"Any international match is important particularly this match which is an Asian Cup qualifier," he said, setting his sights on qualifying.
"We have not had an international match since our game against South Korea in a World Cup qualifier a few months ago but we should get all the three points against Thailand.
"We hope our fans will pack the stadium."
In today's other Group B game, Lebanon host Kuwait.
PROBABLE THAILAND TEAM
Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool, Chonlatit Jantakam, Prathum Chuthong, Wasan Homsen, Korrakot Wiriya-udomsiri, Adul Lasoh, Pichit Jaiboon, Narong Jansaweak, Surachate Ngarmtip, Teerasil Dangda, Chatree Chimtalay
STANDINGS
GROUP B
!P !W !D !L !GF !GA !Pts!
Iran !2 !1 !1 !0 !6 !1 !4!
Kuwait! 2! 1! 1! 0! 4! 2! 4!
Lebanon !2 !1 !0 !1 !5 !7 !3!
Thailand !2 !0 !0 !2 !3 !8 !0!