Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
Second place Bangkok United welcome Sukhothai FC to the Thammasat Stadium following an impressive 4-1 demolition of PTT Rayong last weekend. Mano Polking’s men are unbeaten in their last seven Thai League (T1) games and are currently on a run of four straight wins, scoring 11 goals along the way.
The Angels have also freed up a few first-team slots by loaning out striker Teeratep Winothai to Chonburi FC and tricky winger Jakkapan Pornsai to Ratchaburi FC. They’ve also re-signed former striker Jaycee John, who boasts an admirable record of 40 goals and 5 assists from 55 games for Bangkok United between 2015 and 2017. The Bahrain international could replace Mike Havenaar, as it has been rumored that the target-man could be released in the transfer window. However, the move is yet to be confirmed.
The Firebats, on the other hand, are struggling for three points and yet to beat anyone on the road this season. John Baggio was magical last time out against Nakhon Ratchasima FC, winning the game with a long-range cracker, and will be the visitor’s main source of hope. Although, realistically, Bangkok United should be too strong for Sukhothai FC and could put pressure on Port FC and Buriram United with a win in Saturday’s early kickoff.
Sunday sees PT Prachuap FC start their second leg against Muangthong United, just like how they began the season. Since getting promoted last year, the Killer Wasps are yet to be beaten by the Kirins in their past three T1 meetings. However, there will be a huge question regarding Prachuap’s attacking prowess after letting forward Matheus Alves and Herlison Caion go. The latter was in red-hot form at the start of the campaign, scoring 5 out of 5, but only managed a single goal in his last ten.
As for Alexandre Gama’s Muangthong United, they have finally addressed their left-back issue with the signing of Philippines international Daisuke Sato. Gama also traded Mario Gjurovski and Lee Ho for two Portuguese first tier import; ex-Benfica striker Derley and central midfielder Bruno Gallo. The former might make a cameo against Prachuap, according to the Muangthong’s management. Gama’s side are only two points away from safety and could potentially jump up to 11th on the table with a win and if other results go their way.
Another club in desperate need for 3 points is Port FC, who seem as though they are still feeling the hit from their defeat against Buriram United two weeks ago. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do so against the tough-to-beat Chiangrai United. Ailton Silva has done a fantastic job in furthering the club’s pragmatic approach, albeit with more preference to counter-attacking and less structured shape. It ended 0-0 the last time these two sides met and fans can expect another tight tactical battle between them, with Port more in need of three points on their home turf.
Now on to the game of the week which sees T1 leader Buriram United visit Chonburi FC. Last season, Thunder Castle beat the Sharks both home and away. You’ll have to go as far back as August of 2014 for Chonburi’s last victory over the North-eastern powerhouse.
The defending champions have made a number of changes to their roster ahead of the second leg of the campaign. Vietnamese midfielder Luong Xuan Truong has left the club, with speedy forward Pedro Junior expected to follow him. Ex-Gunner Nacer Barazite was unveiled at the club’s marquee signing in attack, but it’s very unlikely to see him start on Sunday.
As for the Sharks, they also did their fair share of recruitment, bringing in a lot of experience veterans. Midfield icon Datsakorn Thonglao is now available as well as his best friend star-striker Teeratep Winothai, who is on loan from Bangkok United. Other acquisitions by Sasom Pobprasert include water-carrier Wittaya Madlam, ex-Kirin left-back Mongkol Namnuad, defender Júnior Lopes and PT Prachuap topscorer Herlison Caion – an interesting signing who could share Lukian’s goalscoring responsibility.