Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
The Round of 16 of the Thai FA cup is set to be played tonight, with the game between Muangthong United and Port FC at the SCG Stadium being the headline clash of the round.
Muangthong’s poor first leg of the season left them in the relegation zone, giving extra importance to the FA Cup as the side’s only way to qualify for the AFC Champions League. Now under the stewardship of Alexandre Gama, a coach who developed a reputation for his proficiency at cup competitions, the Kirin have undergone a revival in recent weeks, winning three of their last five games.
On the other hand, after an incredible start to the season, Port have been on an abysmal run of form. The Klongtoey outfit have only collected 2 of the last available 15 points in the league, making them the only team in T1 who have failed to win any of their last five games.
However, cup competitions are known to throw up surprises. Port have won in each of their last three visits to the SCG Stadium, and there is a sense that truly anything can happen in tonight’s pivotal match.
Bangkok United and Buriram will also be interested in winning the competition, but face each other in a league game this Sunday in a game that will have huge implications for the title race. With home matches against Police Tero and Rayong FC ahead tonight, it will be interesting to see how much trust is placed in second-string players and the effect that could have on Sunday’s match.
Defending FA Cup champions Chiangrai may also be swayed to rest players for tonight’s game away against MOF Customs United. The Beetles are just a point below leaders Buriram in the Thai League and could opt to rest ahead of a tough away trip to Muangthong on Sunday. Samut Prakan City find themselves in a similar situation as they face T2 side Thai Honda Ladkrabang tonight.
Elsewhere, Ratchaburi FC travel to face T3 outfit Nakhon Sri United, while the two remaining T4 teams, Bankhai United and Surat Thani City, face Nakhon Ratchasima and Trat respectively.