KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya have turned the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil into a fortress, making a danger ground for Thailand on Saturday.
For the record, Thailand have never beaten Malaysia at Bukit Jalil. In five previous encounters, they have lost three times and drawn twice.
So, the War Elephants are not exactly the heavy favourites in the first leg of the AFF Cup semi-finals on Malaysian soil.
In their last clash at Bukit Jalil, a World Cup qualifier last year, Malaysia snatched a 2-1 come-from-behind win.
Thailand team manager Nualphan Lamsam, wary of the threat posed by Malaysia, admitted that the latter have home ground advantage.
Over 65,000 fans turned up for Malaysia's 4-1 win over Singapore in their final Group B match at Bukit Jalil.
The Football Association of Malaysia have also announced that all tickets for the Thailand match were sold out.
"It will be a difficult game," said Lamsam.
"There is always a lot of pressure when we play Malaysia at their home ground at Bukit Jalil in front of 90,000 fans.
"Thailand have never beaten Malaysia at this stadium, so we must be ready for this game physically and mentally.
"As the away goals rule is in use, we have to try to score at Bukit Jalil. This could be crucial when we play them in the second leg at Thammasat Stadium."
Thailand coach Alexandre Polking has stressed that his team need to raise their game if they are to defend their AFF Cup title.