Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Buriram United are looking to recover from a string of awful results that have seen them fall short in both domestic competitions and dragged them into a real dogfight to hold on to their coveted Thai League crown. The Thunder Castle have only won one out of their last six games, being eliminated from the FA Cup semi-final by Ratchaburi and losing the League Cup final to Prachuap in the process.
The defending champions need a win away against Korat to prevent themselves from having only their second trophyless season since their ‘inception’ a decade ago in what surely is the flagship game of the midweek round of fixtures.
The hosts will not make it easy for Buriram, as they need a win to keep their head above water in one of the tightest relegation fights in recent Thai League history. Additionally, Swatcat fans always turn out for games against their neighbors, and they will hope that the sense of occasion will help elevate their game.
However, if their most recent performance was anything to go by, Korat could struggle in this game. Their attempts to press from the front were easily circumvented by Port, and they showed little discipline in terms of maintaining a defensive structure. Should they approach the game with a similar strategy, Buriram will be the clear favorites.
Both Buriram and Nakhon Ratchasima will be eagerly watching the game between Port and Chainat, which will also have ramifications for the top and bottom of the table. The home side are back in the title race after undergoing a revival in recent weeks and are only two points off top spot. Chainat, meanwhile, are now approaching their sixth consecutive matchday in the relegation zone, and things will start to look bleak for them
Both sides especially need a win since they both face massive six-pointers after the international break; Port travel to Buriram while Chainat host Nakhon Ratchasima. Wins for any of these four sides could be pivotal in giving them the advantage heading into what could be a decisive penultimate weekend.
The day’s early match sees bottom club Chiangmai FC travel to face Bangkok United, while the other two relegation strugglers, Sukhothai and Suphanburi, face home games against Prachuap and Ratchaburi. Lastly, Muangthong travel to Samut Prakan City in a match with effectively no stakes between 5th and 6th on the table.