Syria make the trip to Myanmar for Thursday's World Cup qualifying fixture looking for the win that could see them end the day in second place in Group B.
Meanwhile, Myanmar - the clear minnows of the group - have already conceded 11 goals in just two matches, making the contest against the recent Asian Cup participants a difficult ask.
Match preview
While Syria have been no strangers to the Asian Cup over the years, they had been to the last-16 stage until they broke new ground earlier this year.
Although Australia were the clear favourites to progress from their group, games with Uzbekistan and India opened the door for progression, and that is how it proved with a 1-0 win over India resulting in a last-16 showdown with Iran.
That ultimately ended in disappointment, Syria losing on penalties despite playing extra time with a man advantage, but Hector Cuper can only take positives from the tournament.
Back in Asian World Cup qualifying, Syria have already secured a potentially-pivotal result, starting the second round with a 1-0 victory over Syria.
A 5-0 thrashing by Japan soon followed, yet taking care of business against Myanmar and avoiding defeat in North Korea later in the campaign may be enough to send them through as runners-up.
At a time when Syria have won just four of their last 14 matches in all competitions, Myanmar's three successes in seven outings have come at a far lower level.
They were required to come through a two-legged tie with Macau to reach this stage, prevailing 5-1 on aggregate, but the step up in class is currently indicating that they are out of their depth.
After a 5-0 defeat to Japan, a 6-1 reverse against North Korea soon followed, with the consolation goal in question coming after they had conceded six times across a 40-minute period.
While Cuper will be backing Syria to find some confidence in front of goal, opposite number Michael Feichtenbeiner may feel that avoiding defeat would feel like a monumental result for the country at this stage of their development.
Team News
Feichtenbeiner will make several changes to the Myanmar side that lost 6-1 to North Korea, with places up for grabs in defence, on the flank and in attack.
Hein Zeyar Lin may move inside to a central position, allowing Hein Phyo Win to feature at wing-back, while Hein Htet Aung may feature further forward.
Win Naing Tun scored the consolation goal in the last game and appears in line to replace Aung Thu.
With Omar Khribin missing from the Syria ranks, Mardik Mardikian could be brought in as his replacement in attack.
Although the rest of the team started the Asian Cup last-16 fixture, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud - on loan a Stuttgart - has switched allegiances and could make his debut.
Myanmar possible starting lineup:
Phyo; Win, Lin, Kyaw, Oo, Min; Lwin, Naing, Win Thein, Aung; Thu
Syria possible starting lineup:
Madanieh; Oues, Ousou, Krouma, Ajan; Al-Aswad, Elias, Ham, Ramadan; Mardikian, Hesar
We say: Myanmar 1-3 Syria
With Myanmar having managed a goal against North Korea, we cannot rule them out from doing the same here. Nevertheless, Syria should still come through with the three points to likely seize hold of second spot at the halfway stage.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
