AFC Asian Cup / Thailand vs Maldives Preview

 

Pick:AH   Thailand (-2)  @1.93

 

Analysis:

Thailand and Maldives lock horns at the Markaziy Stadium in Namangan, Uzbekistan on Wednesday.

 

Thailand

The Changsueks have called up 23 players for this month's triple-header in the qualifiers against the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. Veteran forward Teerasil Dangda, who has 113 caps and has scored 52 goals, is likely to feature again.

 

Maldives

All-time top-scorer Ali Ashfaq, who's struck 57 goals from 88 games, will look to add to his incredible tally here with Ali Fasil complimenting him in the attack. Ibrahim Waheed Hassan will be vital in terms of adding creativity from the midfield.

 

Verdict:

Thailand are not a force to be reckoned with but their recent record holds them in good stead. The Maldives will rely on their star man Ali Ashfaq for the goods but that alone won't be enough to win.

 

Pick: 1