Thailand U23 vs Kyrgyzstan U23 Asian Games Preview
Thailand and Kyrgyzstan square off in their opening Group A fixture in the football event at the Asian Games.
Neither team comes into this clash in their best form, and with both defences looking vulnerable, goals can be expected here.
Key Stats
- Thailand U23 have scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Thailand U23 have conceded in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Kyrgyzstan U23 have scored in five of their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Kyrgyzstan U23 have conceded in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Thailand with the Edge
There have been only two previous meetings between both teams, with Thailand claiming a 2-0 victory back in 2006 before playing out a 1-1 draw in a friendly in June.
Thailand Out of Sorts
Thailand’s last outing was a friendly back in June as they suffered a 5-2 defeat to United Arab Emirates. They were no match for the superior quality of their rivals, with efforts from Thanakrit Chotmuangpak and Jehhanafee Mamah proving a mere consolation.
That result is part of a poor run of form for Thailand, who are struggling at the moment. Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul’s team have only won two of their last 10 matches in all competitions, losing three of the last four fixtures in that run.
As highlighted by the defeat to United Arab Emirates, one of the issues for Thailand is poor defending, failing to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have shown some attacking quality, scoring in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Kyrgyzstan Struggling for Form
Kyrgyzstan were victorious in their last outing, picking up a 1-0 victory over South Korea in a friendly back in June. They were made to work hard for the win, with Yryskeldi Madanov’s effort seven minutes from time proving to be the difference.
That was a rare win for Kyrgyzstan, who have found things difficult lately. They were winless in their previous nine matches in all competitions, suffering six defeats in this run.
One similarity with Thailand is that Kyrgyzstan have also looked shaky at the back lately, conceding in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, Edmar’s team have scored in five of the last seven matches in this run.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Thailand (4-3-3): Sorawat Phosaman; Chanon Thamma, Chanapach Buaphan, Pichitchai Sienkrathok, Nathan James; Sittha Boonlha, Paripan Wongsa, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak; Thanwut Phochai, Jehhanafee Mamah, Chawanwit Saelao.
Chotmuangpak and Mamah have stood out for Thailand lately, and both men should retain their places in the team. Buaphan is expected to start at the heart of the defence alongside Sienkrathok.
Kyrgyzstan (4-2-3-1): Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov; Christian Brauzman, Altay Raimbekov, Rauf Asinov, Said Datsiev; Mirlan Bekberdinov, Bektur, Kochkonbaev; Kairat Abdirasulov, Kimi Merk, Beknaz Almazbekov; Marlen Murzakhmatov.
Murzakhmatov is expected to lead the line for Uzbekistan, with Merk and Almazbekov providing support. Bekberdinov should start in midfield while Bauzman and Raimbekov are set to feature in central defence.