Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
PTT Rayong were unbeaten in 4 games prior to last week’s 3-1 home defeat to Ratchaburi FC. This Saturday the Firepower will face yet another tough test in the form of a hungry Muangthong United side, languishing at the bottom on the Thai League (T1) table, eager to prove themselves.
The Kirins has been continuously undergoing extended training session since the arrival of head coach Yoon Jong-hwan, and although the Korean has only been here for a few weeks, there are already encouraging evidence of an improved team structure in last week’s loss to T1 leaders Port FC.
Meanwhile, Jadet Meelarp’s boys return home to face Totchtawan Sripan’s Suphanburi FC. The visitors are fresh from a vital victory over Nakhon Ratchasima FC, which was the Elephant Warriors first win after 3 straight defeats previously.
Attacking midfielder Sumanya Purisai, fullback Nitipong Selanon and winger Pakorn Prempak were both outstanding last time out against bitters rivals Muangthong, but their fitness is reportedly in doubt for the game against Suphanburi FC. Additionally, there are rumors that Port FC’s right flank duo of Nitipong and Pakorn are being considered for a national team call up ahead of the 2019 Kings Cup this June.
Accord to past T1 meetings, it’s Jadet who has the upper hand over the young tactician, having beaten Totchtawan in 5 out of their 7 league battles. Another win for Port’s experienced coach will extend the Port Lions lead at the top of the table to 7 points, piling the pressure on Buriram United who travel to Ratchaburi FC on Sunday.
Božidar Bandović’s Buriram United are currently on a poor run of form – winless in 4 games across all competitions and already under huge pressure to turn things around. The Thunder Castle’s attack has been incredibly inconsistent since losing Diogo Luís Santo to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC. However, it is their defense that should be the main cause of worry; in particular, the decline in form of Andrés Túñez has been noticeable this season. The former Celta Vigo defender looks out of pace – his anticipation and positioning sense not what it used to be.
The Buriram United defense must be at their full focus on Sunday, conceding cheap, needless, goals could turn a win into a draw – or even worse, a draw into lost, which is a result they can’t afford at this moment in time.