Thailand, Vietnam

Thailand defeated Vietnam 1-0 at home in May, but Tuesday's qualifier will be played in Hanoi.

Thailand travel to face Vietnam on Tuesday, knowing that victory would guarantee them at least second spot in Group F on the road to the 2018 World Cup.

The Thais sit top of the group, with all sides having played three games. They have the chance to pull six points clear of Vietnam with a win in Hanoi.

The Vietnamese will be hurting badly after Younis Mahmoud's injury-time penalty denied them a famous home victory over Iraq last Thursday. It will be interesting to see how they respond to the disappointment as they fight to keep their qualification hopes alive against the Thais.

Here are three things to consider ahead of Tuesday's game.

1. Will Thailand go for broke or play it safe?

Thailand do not want to be needing points when they play Iraq away on matchday six, so victory here is vital to both secure at least second place and to boost their points total.

Coach Kiatisuk must make sure the Southeast Asian champions get on top of Vietnam early.

With qualification for the next stage going only to first placed teams and the four best runners up, the War Elephants must ensure they put as many points on the board as possible before the most challenging fixture of the campaign next March.

It is assumed that Thailand will beat Chinese Taipei at home in November so this is an opportunity to kill off the challenge of the Vietnamese, put pressure on Iraq and maximise the chances of qualification. One wonders if Thailand's head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang sees things the same way.

The Thais were superior to Vietnam in Bangkok in May but the visitors had clearly come aiming to earn a point and almost got what they wanted before Pokklaw Anan's late strike gave the Thais three points.

By playing it safe, Thailand risk handing the initiative to the home side, who will be backed by a fervent crowd. The visitors have superior players and should try to dominate possession and attack from the start. If they show their hosts too much respect, they may give them confidence and it could turn into a long and difficult night.

2. Will there be a place for Messi J?

Chanathip 'Messi J' Songkrasin missed the match with Iraq through injury but he is fit again and started Friday's friendly with Hong Kong, which ended in a last-gasp 1-0 win for the Thais.

Chanathip played in May's game against Vietnam but missed last month's qualifier at home to Iraq.

Kiatisuk's starting eleven on Friday looked very much like his first-choice side so the indications are that Chanathip will be trusted to provide the ammunition for Teerasil Dangda in attack.

While the team had an off-day in the victory over Hong Kong, Messi J looked lively and gained a valuable workout before being replaced in the second half.

In the home leg against Vietnam, Chanathip was targeted and was victim of countless fouls. But he stood up to it and had the last laugh when Thailand prevailed after Minh Chau Nguyen was sent off.

Messi J may have to endure some more rough stuff if he is to make a difference and help Thailand overcome the Vietnamese challenge.

3. Tristan goes back to his roots

BEC Tero winger Tristan Do started the qualifier against Iraq and was selected to face Hong Kong on Friday, suggesting that he may well get the nod against his grandparents' home country.

BEC Tero winger Tristan Do, seen here at June's SEA Games in Singapore, had a choice of three countries to play for, but chose Thailand.

The French-born Thai was eligible to play for Vietnam and Thailand and was reportedly approached by the Vietnamese. But Do opted for Thailand so it will be fascinating to see how he is received if selected on Tuesday.

The wide man scored against Vietnam in a 3-1 victory for the Thais in the Southeast Asian Games in June so he clearly has no qualms about doing the business against the Golden Stars.

Do had a quiet game against Hong Kong. Thai fans will be hoping that he was saving his best for the clash that really matters.