Thai coach Chanvit Phalajivin said that against Iraq his team would change the formation from 4-4-2 to 5-3-2.

Thailand won their opening match against Uzbekistan 3-2 while Asian Cup champions Iraq, beat North Korea 1-0. Whoever wins tonight’s match will qualify for the final.

Chanvit said he was changing the formation as the Thai defence showed some weakness against Uzbekistan, letting them recover from 2-0 down to 2-2, before Thailand grabbed the winner.

The Thai coach said there would also be some change in personnel. SEA Games top scorer Anon Sangsanoi, would join up with Sarayuth Chaikamdee as the strike force, while Manchester City signing Suree Sukha is back from injury.

"Iraq are a very good attacking side so we will have to keep a close watch on their forwards," said Chanvit.

"They have some very skilful players so our defence will have to be at its best."

Chanvit said he still felt Thailand were capable of beating Iraq.

Iraqi coach, Abdulkhaleq M. Ahmed said it would be difficult to play against Thailand in front of their own crowd. "We hope to get at least a point from this match, although we will be going all out to win," he said.

The Iraq coach said he had been pleased with his team’s performance against North Korea and his players were looking forward to playing against Thailand.