When Malaysia started the qualifying campaign away to Indonesia in Jakarta, not many would put Harimau Malaya as the favourites to win that match even though they eventually won that 3-2. In the subsequent matches against United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Thailand; Tan Cheng Hoe's team were also considered the underdogs.
But after beating Thailand 2-1 on Thursday and going up against an Indonesian side that has lost four straight matches in the group, the situation has completely swung around with Malaysia now the red-hot favourites to win Tuesday's clash at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.