Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
Port FC are going through a shocking run of form, which saw them lose each of their last three games. However, the Klongtoei Lions’ crisis is not yet bad enough to rule them out of the T1 title race, if they can manage to get back on track this weekend.
Port FC have never lost four consecutive T1 games under Jadet, and they’ve won all of their previous four encounters with Ratchaburi FC. There are few better opportunities for them to bounce than a trip to the Mitr Phol Stadium.
That said, there is a slight concern regarding the fitness level of left-back Kevin Deeromram who was substituted off due to injury and is set for another extended period of absence.
Another concern for coach Jadet is captain David Rochela’s lack of match sharpness. The defender is struggling to keep up with the pace of the game after being sidelined for over 3 months with a knee injury. Last weekend, Rochela was outmuscled by Bill Rosimar for Chiangrai United’s opener and was too slow at closing down William Henrique, making an error which gave the visitors their second of the night. Maybe benching Rochela for now and then slowly incorporate him into the team could be the wiser option than hastening the unfit Spaniard into the starting XI.
Sunday sees Nakhonratchasima FC visit the Chiangrai United. The Swatcats have an abysmal away form, losing all of their last five matches on the road and failing to find the back of the net in the last three. Once again, the attack has become an issue for Milos Joksic, as the goals have completely dried out in June with the deadly trio of Amadou Ouattara, Leandro Assumpcao and Bernard Henry providing a slim combined output of just two goals. And with Chiangrai United growing stronger after each matchday, the Swatcat faithful can expect a grueling battle at the Singha Stadium.
In the 19:00 kickoff, we have T1 leaders Buriram United facing off against 15th place Suphanburi FC and Bangkok United’s colossal clash against Muangthong United.
Buriram new boys Nacer Barazite and Rasmus Jönsson debut in midweek League Cup win, with the former getting on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Suphanburi just sold Thai striker Chananan Pombuppha to Bangkok United and have recruited Philippines international Alvaro Silva in defense, but this is probably too early for any new players to have an effect especially – against the mighty Buriram.
Last but not least, Alexandre Gama’s Kirin welcomes the Angels to the SCG Stadium. Muangthong looked a rejuvenated side since the arrival of coach Gama. New signings Derley and Bruno Gallo cameoed against PT Prachuap and are in contention to start. Additionally, the home side also has the advantage of not taking part in midweek’s League Cup game.
Unlike his opposition, Mano Polking didn’t make any massive modification to his starting XI. They’ve loan-out forward Teeratep Winothai, youngster Kritsada Nontharat and experience winger Jakkapan Pornsai. Newcomer Chananan Pombuppha will have to begin by proving himself from the bench, filling Teeratep’s old duty. ‘New’ striker Jaycee John is not exactly a new face either, as he is familiar with the club after his three-year from 2015 to 2018. Plus the big man was already training with Bangkok for quite some time, even played and scoring in a closed-door friendly match before his signing was announced.
Buriram United are likely to beat struggling Suphanburi at home, so the three points is a must for Bangkok United in order to keep up with the leader. Meanwhile, Muangthong will be aiming to extend their unbeaten record at home versus Bangkok across all competitions to four games and push themselves further away from the drop zone.