One of the key matches in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Bangkok. Thailand will go head-to-head against Sri Lanka at the Rajamangala Stadium. As the two teams prepare for this crucial encounter, all eyes are on Thailand, which holds a strong historical advantage over its opponents.
Thailand’s Recent Performance
Nicknamed the “War Elephants,” Thailand started their qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a mixed record—securing four points from their first four matches. Among their standout performances was an away victory against Singapore (3-1) and a commendable draw against South Korea, the group leader.
Despite their efforts, Thailand finished third in their group, falling short of the final World Cup qualification stage. However, their momentum picked up in October when they clinched the King’s Cup of Thailand by defeating the Philippines and Syria. Their strong form carried over into the ASEAN Championship, where they reached the finals but suffered two defeats against Vietnam. Last week, in a friendly, they secured a 2-0 win over Afghanistan, further boosting their confidence ahead of this match.
Sri Lanka’s Road to the Asian Cup
On the other hand, Sri Lanka faced an early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in 2023, losing to Yemen in the first stage with an aggregate score of 1-4 (0-3 away, 1-1 at home). Despite their early elimination, the “Golden Lions” managed to redeem themselves in the Asian Cup qualification playoffs by edging past Cambodia.
After a goalless draw at home, Sri Lanka held Cambodia to a 1-1 draw in the return leg. The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where the Sri Lankan squad emerged victorious, securing their place in the current qualification round. This match against Thailand presents a significant challenge as they face a team with a much stronger track record.
Head-to-Head Record
- Thailand has won all five previous encounters against Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka has managed to score in only one of those five matches.
- The “Total Over 2.5” bet has won in three out of five games between these teams.
Probable Lineups
Thailand: Khammay (GK), Mickelson, Dolah, Hemdi, Haiprakhon, Weiderseh, Thasa, Muenta, Kanitsribampen, Panya, Gustafsson
Sri Lanka: Perera (GK), Hingert, Kammerknecht, Taiparan, Suresh, Kelaart, Rajamohan, Perera, Razek, Dekker
Match Prediction and Betting Odds
Bookmakers heavily favor Thailand to secure a victory, offering low odds of 1.06 for a win. Given Thailand’s dominance in previous meetings, a victory seems likely. However, betting on “Total Under 4.0” with a coefficient of 1.84 may be a safer choice, considering Sri Lanka’s defensive approach.
With Thailand’s current form and home advantage, they are expected to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Sri Lanka will likely rely on counterattacks and set-piece opportunities to find a breakthrough.
