Buriram’s chance to take over top spot
Thunder Castle need draw against Bangkok United at home to displace Muang Thong
>> Four-time former champions Buriram United only need a draw against visiting Bangkok United to take sole possession of the Thai League 1 top spot for the first time this season.
Defending champions SCG Muang Thong United are not in action in the domestic league this weekend.
Both Muang Thong and Buriram have amassed 34 points, but the Kirins have a better goal difference.
Muang Thong’s home game against Chiang Rai United has been postponed until June 2 as the Kirins are scheduled to travel to Japan to play Kawasaki Frontale in the last 16 second leg of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.
Muang Thong lost 3-1 to the Japanese side in the first leg at SCG Stadium this week.
This weekend’s matches will mark the end of the first half of the Thai League 1 season.
Buriram United manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin is wary of the threat that Bangkok United could pose to his side, saying: “They have played very well in the past several matches.
“We could not pick up three points from last match [against Police Tero] because we missed several chances. We will be playing at home and we must win this match to take our team to the top.”
Buriram’s attack will be spearheaded by Brazilian duo Diogo Luis Santo and Jakson ‘Jaja’ Coelho.
Diogo scored both goals in Buriram’s 2-2 draw with Police Tero in their previous match.
Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek said: “Our players are high on confidence as we have won several matches in a row.
“We don’t have any injured players but no game is easy against Buriram United.
“We will try our best to get a point or even win the match.”
In the other big match, Police Tero will take on Chonburi.
Police Tero coach Uthai Boonmoh said: “I am expecting that Chonburi will play for a win, and they are a strong team. We have our game plan ready so it should be an interesting match.”
However, Chonburi’s marketing director Jeerasak Chomthong said: “We don’t have a full team because several key players like Renan Marquez and Suttinun Phukhom are injured. We are hoping for a draw.”