Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Buriram United gear up for their third ‘top-of-the-table’ clash in a row, as they travel to face Chiangrai United at the Singha Stadium tonight.
The defending champions have a two-point lead to protect over their hosts and will be eager to avoid defeat. However, this game is the third in a series of six consecutive away games in all competitions, and the effect of this travel could be starting to have a wear-and-tear effect on some of their players.
Both sides come into this game on the back of wins at the weekend, as Buriram United saw off Samut Prakan City 4-1 while Chiangrai United managed a 2-1 win over Chiangmai FC. Additionally, some of the nation’s brightest young talents have been on red-hot form for both teams in recent games, adding another layer of excitement for the neutral in this game. Brothers Supachok Sarachart (21) and Suphanat Mueanta (16) have stepped up for the club in recent games for the defending champions, while Ekanit Panya (19) has arguably been Chiangrai’s best player since returning from loan, scoring for the Beetles in both of their past two games.
With the two top teams set to take points off each other, those below them will be eager not to miss this opportunity to gain ground on the league summit. Bangkok United will be looking to potentially close the gap when they play away against Chonburi FC, while Samut Prakan City will be eager to return to winning ways against Ratchaburi FC.
Port FC coach Choktawee Promrut will be hoping to pick up a win in his second game in charge after the side’s win on Sunday has propelled them to sit just five points behind the league leaders. They travel to face a Trat side which has won only one of their last five leagues games but have only conceded seven goals at home all season.
At the other end of the table, Chainat Hornbill will be looking to follow up their precious win on Sunday with a trip to Muangthong United. They will face a stern test as the hosts have been revitalized by new coach Alexandre Gama, and are currently on a six-game unbeaten run. However, the Hornbills have already shown their ability to elevate their game against the big sides, having beaten Muangthong, Bangkok United and Buriram at home in the first leg of the season. Chainat also inflicted Buriram’s first loss in an entire calendar year last season despite playing away. With Dennis Amato’s side in desperate need of points, this game could end up being an exciting one.
Sukhothai are looking to pull themselves out of the relegation zone when they face PTT Rayong at home. The team directly above them, Prachuap FC, will be traveling to face a Nakhon Ratchasima side who are in desperate need of points after a six-game winless run, meaning that the Fire Bats have hope of recovering their position.