Socceroos put faith in AAMI Park fortress

The management of AAMI Park insist the venue will be at its pristine best when Australia take on Thailand in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

AAMI Park will host Australia's huge clash with Thailand Source: Getty Images

The Socceroos will need it to be, despite hosting an NRL clash just 72 hours before Tuesday's crunch match and forecast wet weather in between.

Australia will play Thailand at a ground which has been chosen because of its pitch quality and in spite of its size.

The 30,500-seater stadium is dwarfed by the nearby MCG and Etihad Stadium, which have hosted Melbourne's previous high-profile qualifiers.

But national team coach Ange Postecoglou has put a premium on playing on the best surface.