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Win is all that matters as Azkals look to get AFF Suzuki Cup quest back on track

As semifinalists in four of the last five editions of the AFF Suzuki Cup, Philippines will head into Saturday's Group A clash as overwhelming favourites to see off bottom-ranked minnows Timor-Leste.

Having fallen to a 2-1 defeat in their opening match against Singapore on Wednesday, the Azkals are in desperate need of a victory to get their campaign back on track.

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With only two of the group's five teams advancing to the semis, goal difference could also be a factor in the event of a tie on points, which could also make it crucial for Philippines to claim the handsome margin of victory that is expected of them against the Timorese.

But given the position they find themselves in, and having not had the best of preparations in the lead-up to the tournament, Philippines coach Stewart Hall admits getting the three points will be the most important target from Saturday's match at Singapore's National Stadium.

"Every game we play now is just about the result. We'll take the three points as it gets us back on the road and the players know that," said Hall.

"The objectives now are quite clear. We'll probably need to win all three remaining games. You may get lucky, where two wins and a draw might be enough, but you can't rely on that.

"We did okay (against Singapore) -- it wasn't great but it wasn't bad. The focus is that we have to improve a little bit on everything. Just that ten per cent."

Hall, who confirmed that the Azkals would adopt a more-attacking approach against Timor-Leste with the introduction of a second striker, also revealed that they would be boosted by the belated arrivals of Iain Ramsay and Dennis Chung along with head coach Scott Cooper.

And while Timor-Leste, who have lost all ten games they have played in Suzuki Cup history, are huge underdogs for the tie, Hall has warned his charges against underestimating their opponents.

"I've said to the players that you can't guarantee anything," added the Englishman.

"What I've seen with Timor-Leste is that they are a young country with a new team, and they've put their focus on development and are going the long, patient route. We have to give them credit and they're improving all the time with every tournament.

"What we have to make sure is we don't underestimate them. They have an objective and a plan and we've got to make sure we know what we want to do against them, which is the dominate the game."