Thailand coach Mano Polking could rest some of his key players when the War Elephants meet hosts Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup on Saturday.
The top spot for Group A will be decided in the clash which kicks off at 7.30pm, Thai time, at Singapore's National Stadium.
Ahead of their last group game, Thailand lead Singapore on goal difference with both teams having registered a perfect three wins to qualify for the semi-finals. Group A winners are likely to avoid defending champions Vietnam in the semi-finals.
Polking said on Friday that his men have reached the team's minimum target but he wants to use Saturday's match as a launchpad for further success.
"We said that reaching the semi-finals is our minimum requirement and it would have been a disaster if we didn't do that," said the German-Brazilian coach, who is in his first tournament in charge of the War Elephants.
"Before the tournament Vietnam were the favourites and they have not yet conceded a goal in the tournament. They have a lot of understanding in playing as a team.
"Although they have lost all their six games so far in the World Cup qualifying, they have played at a higher level which made them strong and have a lot of experience. But now we are in the semi-finals and we want to go on to make it to the final and, of course, win the trophy."
He added: "To deal with the Thai national team in this tournament, I feel really great and proud with this position because this is my dream work. But I have to praise my players who are trying to adjust themselves to my plan and style during a short time. They have tried their best and I know that with our qualities and motivation, we can qualify for the final and win the cup which is our highest target."
Knowing that a draw will see Thailand top the group, Polking said there could be changes on the cards.
"Of course it's an important game but we have some players who are on yellow cards and others who we will assess with little aches before deciding on which players will play but for sure we want to be first in the group so the game is important for us," he said.
The likes of playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin and record-breaking striker Teerasil Dangda, 33, may start on the bench.
Polking said: "Singapore are a good team. They have a good defence and good set-pieces. Of course, they are the hosts and enjoy the advantage with their fans supporting them which make their players have a lot of hunger to play."
For Singapore, only a win will be good enough to see them leapfrog their opponents and top the group with coach Tatsuma Yoshida saying that he won't alter his approach.
"We can't think about the next match and can only think about this one. So we don't need to care about players who might be on yellow cards or other issues," he said.
"We need to stay focused and remain humble and even though we are a step closer to the final we still need to remember that we are only challengers."
Thailand are the most successful side in the biennial Southeast Asian champions with five wins, followed by Singapore with four.
The 2020 edition was postponed from last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Group B, Indonesia lead Vietnam on goal difference with both having seven points from three games following a scoreless draw in their clash.
However, in Sunday's Group B action, Vietnam should have fewer problems when they take on Cambodia. On the other hand, Indonesians have a tough assignment against Malaysia who could knock them out of the tournament.
