Somchai Sabperm's side acquitted themselves well in their first appearance in the continent's elite club competition. The Students managed to draw with South Korea's Shunnam Dragons and J-League runners-up Kawasaki Frontale, the two clubs many consider would engage in a close duel for a place in the knock-out stage.

Given the results, what previously looked unlikely now becomes probable for the Thai team to upset all odds and progress into the next round. And, a victory over the Indonesians certainly would help the Students' cause.

Solidity in defence was the foundation of the Students' remarkable run in the tournament, which is equivalent to the Uefa's Champions League. Last Wednesday, Somchai's men, however, uncharacteristically showed frailty in the defence when they were soundly beaten 3-0 by the inaugural AFC Champion League finalists BEC Tero Sasana in their domestic league match.

The Students will try to ensure that such rare defensive lapses would not be carried over into their campaign in Asia's top-flight competition. However, Somchai's side has been shorn of the services of suspended midfielder Ramthep Chaipan.

Ramthep was red-carded after committing two offences in the game against Frontale a fortnight ago. Chatchai Phichitchaiphotchanat, who came on for Ramthep in a draw with the Korean FA Cup winners in the opener, could be in line for his first start after making substitute appearances in both the previous matches.

Having snapped their nine-match losing streak - which included surrendering a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 to Frontale at home and the 2-0 away defeat at the hands of Shunnam Dragons - with a narrow 1-0 league victory over Persekabpas Pasuruan, the visitors are in a better frame of mind that might make the test a lot harder for the Students.

 The match kicks-off at 4pm at the Royal Thai Army stadium on Vibhavadi Rangsit road.

Sydney FC, whose title ambitions took a knock when they let slip a two-goal lead against Urawa Red Diamonds, will hope to bounce back against Persik Kediri.

However the Australian debutants may not find it easy in Solo, where the Indonesians humbled Shanghai Shenhua 1-0 last time around and are riding high from a 5-0 domestic win.

Coach Branko Culina believes Sydney face an uphill battle with fitness levels lacking since the end of the A-League season in February.

"There's not a great deal we can actually do because it's not fitness itself we need, it's match fitness and getting games," Culina said.

"There's a big disadvantage being in the situation we are in not having opposition every week, which our [Champions League] opponents do."