BEC Tero hope for reversal of fortune
Struggling giants seek to bounce back from a spate of setbacks as they entertain fourth-ranked Suphanburi at home
>> Struggling BEC Tero Sasana are hoping to apply brakes to their nosediving form and standing when they host fourth-ranked Suphanburi in the Thai Premier League tonight.
The Fire Dragons had kicked off the the season convinced they were genuine TPL title contenders after they had stunned Buriram United in the League Cup final last year.
But they are now spotted in the 14th place in the 18-team Thai Premier League, only four points above the relegation zone.
Following a poor start to the season, Serbian coach Bozidar Bandovic was sacked.
Kenny Shiels of Northern Ireland was appointed BEC coach in May but he has probably fared worse than his predecessor.
Under Shiels, BEC have lost four out of six matches in all competitions as the League Cup holders were knocked out of the tournament recently.
To make things worse for the Fire Dragons, they are without two key players, Chanathip Songkrasin and Rangsan Viwatchaichok, both sidelined for a couple of months after undergoing surgeries.
BEC lost 5-0 to Bangkok Glass in the TPL last week and manager Thanya Wongnak is hoping his players will bounce back against Suphanburi.
“I am hoping our players have already erased the memory of the 5-0 loss to Bangkok Glass,” he said.
“We have to beat Suphanburi to regain our confidence.”
Suphanburi manager Nat Chayutiman is looking forward to rubbing salt into the BEC’s wounds.
“It will not be easy against BEC,” he said. “But after winning our previous match, we are confident that we can beat BEC.”
Champions and leaders Buriram United have a tricky assignment at Nakhon Ratchasima in a northeastern derby.
On paper, Buriram should have few problems against the Swat Cats, who stay 10th in their first ever season in the top flight.
However, Nakhon Ratchasima are strong at home, with five wins and one defeat so far this season.
“They play well at home and we will try to beat them,’’ said Buriram manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin.
Nakhon Ratchasima assistant coach Pramuan Tinkrathok said: “We are ready for the match.
“We are at full strength and welcome back Bjorn Lindermann from injury. It would be good if we can beat the best team in Thailand.”