Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
The Thai League returns for matchday 8 after a week off for Thai new year, with Buriram United’s Friday’s night kick off against Trat FC. With a midweek trip to Beijing Guoan FC on the horizon, a runout over the newly-promoted side could be a 3confidence boost for the Thunder Castle.
Trat FC’s have scored 6 goals in their last 3 fixtures, but yet to win a single away game this season. Buriram, on the other hand, remain undefeated in the T1 at the Chang Arena for 11 consecutive games.
Saturday sees the competitive debut of Munagthong United’s new head coach Yoon Jong-Hwan, as they host arch-rivals Port FC. The Kirin’s camp claimed that the former Cerezo Osaka boss has been conducting extra training sessions with special emphasis on the physical aspect of the game.
It is also said that captain Teerasil Dangda, who withdrew from Thailand’s 2019 China Cup adventure, is carrying an injury and refuses to undergo an operation. The 30 years old was not himself when they got crushed 3-1 by Nakhon Ratchasima FC before the break, and there are doubts about whether he’ll be able to start or complete the full 90 against Port FC.
This fact will be music to Jadet Meelarp’s ears, as no player has scored as many against Port FC than Teerasil Dangda, who has netted 9 times from 19 games across all competitions against the Klongtoei outfit.
As for the Port Lions, they are in red hot form – firing in 9 goals in the past 2 games. The home side is without keeper Rattanai Songsangchan and captain David Rochela. Luckily for the league leaders, shot-stopper Worawut Srisupha and towering defender Elias Dolah have both done well in filling in those gaps.
The element of surprise, thanks to the arrival of the new head coach, could work in Muangthong’s favor, but Port FC’s form and confidence as they sit atop the Thai League table should not be underestimated. Neutrals can expect a fierce, heated battle at the SCG Stadium.