Chiangrai Utd and Melbourne Victory in last chance battle

CHIANGRAI nited face Melbourne Victory on Matchday Five of the 2020 AFC Champions League Group E at the

assim Bin Hamad Stadium at 4pm on Monday as both sides battle for the last shot at progression to the Round of 16.

Both teams met back in February in the group stage opener with Melbourne Victory taking all three points thanks to a penalty converted by Swedish forward Ola Toivonen. Nine months and three games later, those three points remain their only in the competition so far.

Interim head coach Alongkorn Thongsaum’s led debutants Chiangrai nited to a historic first win in the AFC Champions League as Brazilian forward Bill scored twice to down FC Seoul 2-1 on Friday.

The Thai side are without the services of Brazilian defender Brinner, Korean midfielder Lee ong-rae and experienced centre-back Sarawut Inpaen, who are all suspended for accumulation of cards.

“It is disappointing to miss those three players,” said Thongsaum. “But the good thing is that there is a chance for other players to prove themselves at this stage.

“We plan game by game first, starting with this game against Melbourne Victory who are also a good team, so should we get a result tomorrow, we can then think about qualification.”

Melbourne Victory assistant coach Steve Kean was all about planning and analysis of the opposition ahead of the crucial make-or-break tie in a bid to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2016.

“We prepared, we had a few good days on the training ground,” said Kean.

“After our last game, we stayed behind and watched the Chiangrai v FC Seoul game. We saw a completely different side to the one that lost 5-0 a couple of days earlier. The result changes this game into what is practically a semi-final for us. We have prepared very professionally.”