Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers: Thailand v UAE preview

Published on: 12 June 2017

Bangkok: Edgardo Bauza’s first official game in charge of the United Arab Emirates will take place in Thailand, where the dwindling chances of the Omar Abdulrahman-led national team will be tested once again. The already-eliminated Thais will no doubt look to be a thorn in the Whites’ side, as they look for their first win in what has been a disappointing Russia 2018 qualification campaign; a sole point gained from a possible 21.

If there is any hope for UAE in catching Australia, who are seven points ahead in third place with an additional game played, they will have to rely on the work of the locally-based trio Omar Abdulrahman, Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil. However, the UAE attack was silent against Australia and Japan in their last two outings, scoring no goals across 180 minutes. Similarly, Thailand were also quiet in their last two encounters, but conceded seven goals to the group’s best, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Thailand are also navigating the start of a new era with recently appointed coach Milovan Rajevac. While The War Elephants’ adventure in the Road to Russia has mathematically ended, they will look to finish as high as they possibly can and attempt another upset, after they drew at home to Australia last November.

However, forward Teerasil Dangda – the man who scored a brace against the Socceroos and is Thailand’s leading goalscorer in the qualifiers – is unavailable for Rajevac’s men, while Bauza's side will be without suspended midfielder Mohamed Abdulrahman. Muangthong United stars Theerathon Bunmathan, Chanatip Songkrasin and Tristan Do are all side-lined with injuries and will miss the UAE match.

Photo: Lagardère Sports

Source: the-afc.com

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