Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
The Thai League returns from the international break with two colossal clashes on Sunday as Chonburi FC welcome Muangthong United while Buriram United visit league leaders Port FC.
Chonburi FC and Muangthong United have been disappointing this season and have both just recently appointed new head coaches; Sasom Pobprasert and Alexandre Gama respectively. The Sharks have yet to beat Muangthong in the league in their past 7 meetings, losing 6 of them and scoring only 6 as well. Being a former Port FC head coach, Sasom can expect hostile chants from the visiting fans. But if there is someone who’ll thrive on an occasion like this then it’s the “Thai-Mourinho”.
The 51-year-old has said he has found his preferred XI and will add a much-needed fight which is lacking in the current crop of technically gifted young players. Coach Gama, on the other hand, was only officially announced on Thursday and only had a maximum of three days to get his team ready – so expect the former U23 to opt for a defensive approach at the Chonburi Stadium.
Elsewhere, it’s Jadet Meelarp versus Bozidar Bandovic with a place atop the league table at stake. The Thunder Castle have lost away to Chainat Hornbill and drew away to Sukhothai FC but has returned from the break with fire in their eyes, destroying PTT Rayong 5-0 on Wednesday night. Right-wingback Narubadin Weerawatnodom is out with injury but we can expect to see the pacey Sasalak Haiprakhon to fill in on the flank.
Buriram United are yet to be beaten by the Port Lions in each of their past eight meetings across all competitions. However, Bandovic’s boys did throw away a 2-goal lead last time they visit the PAT stadium.
Good news for the home team is the return of Bodin Phala and Nurul Sriyankem, two lightning fast wingers with game-changing quality. Port FC may have a poor record versus Buriram but this current group of players is a big upgrade overall from the previous squad. Jadet Meelarp’s team is on an eight-game unbeaten run and has made PAT Stadium a fortress – losing only 3 league games since taking over from Kiatisuk Senamuang on matchday 29 of the 2017 season!
This is Port FC’s biggest game in years. Prepare for a packed stadium, a fierce tactical battle and a result that will shape this season’s title race.