Hong Kong will want to jump ahead of China and take sole position of second spot with a win over Bhutan in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Thimphu on Tuesday.
Qatar are the current leaders of Group C, with a perfect 12 points from four matches. However, Hong Kong are level on points with China on seven, and the former can move to 10 points with a victory against Bhutan, with the Chinese not playing on Tuesday.
"We need a win to keep our hopes alive," Hong Kong manager Kim Pan-Gon told the South China Morning Post.
"We achieved a good result against Bhutan in our home game, but it will definitely be different and harder in Thimphu, especially since our opponents have improved over the last four games. We will have to respect them."
That home game went 7-0 in the favour of Hong Kong, and a similar victory will put them in good stead for qualification.
Bhutan's qualifying results haven't been good, with the team rooted to the bottom with four defeats in four matches. However, there were some signs of improvement in their last game, when they only narrowly lost to Maldives a few days back, hitting three goals after going down 4-0.
Kim believes Bhutan and the altitude they will be playing in will pose a stiff test to his side.
"It is always tough in a World Cup qualifying tournament, especially in an away game and playing at 2,400 metres above sea level will make it that much more difficult," Kim added. "Bhutan may become more defensive but I have to trust my players. We have come here to win."
Hong Kong will also want to ensure they don't take the 1-0 friendly loss to Thailand last week to heart, considering the importance of this match.
Where to Watch Live
Hong Kong vs Bhutan is scheduled for a 6 pm local time (5.30 pm IST, 8 pm HKT, 1 pm BST) start with no live TV coverage in India.
The 2018 World Cup qualifier can be watched in Hong Kong live on TVB Sport, while viewers in China can catch the match live on CCTV 5.
Audience in the Middle East and North Africa will be able to watch Bhutan vs Hong Kong live on Bein Sports Arabia, while the online live streaming option is on Bein Sports Arabia Connect.
