MANILA - Singapore caretaker coach V. Sundramoorthy has remained tight-lipped on his plans to tackle co-hosts Philippines in Saturday's Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup Group A opener.

The tactician revealed little of his tactics in the pre-match conference on Friday afternoon (Nov 18) in Manila.

"We can press high or we can park the bus," he said. "You will see tomorrow."

The Lions, with just two wins in Sundram's seven matches in charge so far, have been billed as underdogs ahead of the biennial regional tournament but this is a tag that suits Sundram well.

He explained: "Obviously, the Philippines are the favourites. It's good that we are the underdogs. The game will be played on the pitch, let's see how it goes."

For Azkals coach Thomas Dooley, a former American international defender, he believes his men are itching to go against the Lions.

He said: "Mentally, the team is ready. Singapore is a good team, even though they are the underdogs, we are cautious of them. We have to be ready to fight from the first minute."

The game will be played in the 20,000-capacity Philippine Sports Stadium, in the town of Bocaue outside Manila, at 8pm (Singapore and Manila are in the same time zone).