Thailand U23 team take on Japan in their first match of the inaugural M-150 Cup tournament today, hoping to spot some flaws and frailties in their opponents' game before facing them again on the Asian stage next month.
The match will be played at Buriram United's I-Mobile Stadium at 8pm after the opening game between Myanmar and Vietnam at 4pm.
Thailand have been drawn in Group A with Japan and North Korea, the two sides they are scheduled to play in the group stage of the AFC U23 Championship in China.
Thailand U23 coach Zoran Jankovic told a pre-match news conference yesterday that this was an important tournament for his team.
"There are many top teams participating in the event, especially Japan and North Korea," he said.
"This is a good opportunity for us to prepare for the AFC event in China where we play Japan and North Korea again.
"We have some very good players who were tested at the SEA Games in Malaysia [where Thailand won the gold medal in August] and this gives us the confidence.
"Although we will be up against some of the top Asian sides, we are looking forward to putting on an impressive show."
Japan U23 coach Hajime Moriyasu said: "It is an honour for our team to participate in the M-150 Cup tournament in Buri Ram. I would like to thank the organisers for inviting us and we will try our best to produce good results.
"This event is a part of our preparations for the AFC U23 Championship. We want to win this tournament as well as the AFC U23 Championship in China next month."
Tickets are available at 100 baht each and can be purchased at all 7-Eleven outlets and the tournament venue.