With skipper Syafiq Rahim ruled out of the matches against Timor Leste, coach Dato Ong Kim Swee will need to conjure a magical touch in order to get a positive result.
With the demands of Football fans that expect a win each time Malaysia steps onto the pitch, Kim Swee is in a difficult position.
And the task is further confounded by the fact that Timor Leste is powered by several naturalised Brazilians for the two matches at Larkin Stadium on June 2 and 6.
Kim Swee who was in Cambodia to watch Timor Leste in action was particularly impressed with four players.
The four are Paulo Helber, Junior Aparecido, Henrique Wilson da Cruz Martin and Jose da Carlos Fonseca.
Junior is playing in Sarawak in the M- League having played for Selangor the previous season.
"These four are exceptional players that can spell trouble if left unchecked," said Kim Swee.
"Having said that we must not just look at individual brilliance but the team as a whole as they have shown improvement."
While scoring has been a bane for the national squad, Kim Swee can take heart from the fact that the team has yet to concede after 180 minutes of Football.
"We have to give credit where it's due and the defenders have been doing a pretty decent job so far, something I hope will carry into the next two matches," added Kim Swee.
"I have not decided the two strikers I will use for the first leg as the decision will only be made on match day."
Kim Swee also not discount the possibility of using Khair Jones on the left flank should the need arise.
" I have Christie and Chantiru and feel they can do the job well," said the Malacca born.
" What is vital is to get on the scoring chart to give confidence to the players.
" An early goal will settle the nerves and that's what we will be looking for come Thursday."
