Myanmar are currently leading Group A with six points after two matches, two points higher than Vietnam in second place.
In the event that Vietnam win the match, the current SEA Games champions will likely cruise to the semi-finals, as they will face underdogs Timor Leste in the final group match.
In case Myanmar outplay Vietnam, they will have nine points and progress through to the semi-finals. If this scenario happens, U23 Vietnam will be at a huge disadvantage as they will no longer have their fate in their own hands.
Most pundits believe Vietnam are stronger than Myanmar and they have strong support from home fans. Their goalless draw against the Philippines in their opener means they are now under mounting pressure to beat Myanmar to go through the knockout stage.
In their first two games Myanmar defeated weak rivals Timor Leste and the Philippines 3-2 each.
Vietnam stunned Myanmar 2-0 in a friendly match in 2019, and they are required to make better use of scoring chances if they want to overwhelm their opponents in the home turf again this time.
Striker Tien Linh who scored a goal three years ago is now playing for the U23 side and is the main threat in attack for the host team.
Meanwhile, U23 Myanmar boast a strong defense line and this is a big challenge for hosts Vietnam.
Vietnam will take on Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho province at 7 p.m. on May 13.