CRUNCH WEEKEND
Kirins seek to keep trophy hopes alive
>> Totchtawan Sripan’s SCG Muang Thong United take the field tonight knowing that a slip-up against Police Tero in their Toyota League Cup semifinal would ensure a trophy-less year for the Thai football giants.
In the other semi-final tonight, Chiang Rai United take on Ratchaburi Mitr Phol, hoping to qualify for their second final of the season after marching into the FA Cup title showdown on Wednesday night.
Muang Thong United, boasting a large number of national team stars among their ranks, started the season with high hopes of sweeping all three domestic titles.
Now, as the 2017 season nears its end, their dream of retaining the Thai League 1 title effectively lies in tatters and they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Chiang Rai in a penalty shootout on Wednesday night.
Ahead of their League Cup clash, which kicks off at 7pm at Rajamangala National Stadium, a worried Totchtawan acknowledged that the Kirins would have to be at their best to beat Police Tero.
“We have only this trophy left this season, so we can’t afford to be below par in the semi-final,” said Totchtawan.
“It won’t be an easy assignment for us. We have several injured players as well.
“Tristan Do broke his foot during the game with Chiang Rai United and will not play anymore this season.”
“We also have to check the fitness of Adisorn Promrak, who suffered a knee injury on Wednesday night, and Korean Lee Ho is still recovering from his injury. We might have to start with Teerasil Dangda, who himself isn’t fully fit,” he added.
Muang Thong’s attack is likely to be led by Brazilian forwards Heberty Fernandes and Leandro Assumpcao.
The mood, however, was different in the Police Tero camp on the eve of the semi-final.
Police Tero coach Mike Mulvey said his players are looking forward to the game. “We are all ready for it
“I watched the FA Cup semi-final between Muang Thong and Chiang Rai. It was a good game and the atmosphere was electrifying.
“We have an advantage on Muang Thong as far as the fitness of players is concerned. They [Muang Thong players] were involved in a tough 120-minute game.
“However, Muang Thong are a professional team. The loss in the previous match will not effect their team much but we are not afraid of them. I think it will be an interesting match for both teams.”
Police Tero midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao echoed his coach’s comments, saying: “I think at the moment our team is good enough to stop fearing Muang Thong. These cup competitions are known for producing unexpected results.”
In the other semi-final, which will also get underway at 7pm at Supachalasai Stadium, Ratchaburi are plotting to take advantage of a fatigued Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai officials said last-minute fitness checks will be carried out on Rafael Coelho, Thitiphan Puangjan and Shinnaphat Leeoh.
But they are hoping that other key players like Chatchai Butprom, Piyaphol Panichakul and Arthit Daosawang will be ready for the match.
Ratchaburi, who did not have a midweek game, have an injury-free roster with only Apiwat Nguaolumhin not available for the semi-final through suspension.