Tight security planned for Kirins-Port clash
Young Chenrop Samphaodi is likely to make his first start for Thai League 1 giants SCG Muang Thong United when they face bitter rivals Port in their second match of the season tomorrow.
Extra security measures are likely to be in place tomorrow at SCG Stadium as there is a history of violent clashes between the fans of the two clubs. The match will kick off at 6pm.
Port have requested their supporters not to travel to the Kirins’ stadium in Nonthaburi, fearing a repeat of last year’s pitch battles which left many injured.
The incident prompted the Football Association of Thailand and the league organisers to prohibit the two teams’ fans from entering venues for their matches against each other.
The Port officials will install a giant screen at PAT Stadium on the match day for their fans.
Both Muang Thong and Port started the new season with victories last week.
Chenrop was the hero when his secondhalf hat-trick helped the Kirins write off a two-goal deficit and edge Bangkok United for a 3-2 away victory.
Port, who have strengthened their side a great deal, rolled over Pattaya United 3-0 at their home ground last Sunday.
Muang Thong team manager Piensak Onnsumang said: “Winning the first game of the season has given us a lot of confidence and we are ready to move forward.
“This match will be played at our home ground so we have no choice but to go for three points.”
Piensak added: “Our head coach [Totchtawan Sripan] has already laid down the tactics for the team and Chenrop did very well as a second-half replacement last week. He has a chance to start in the match against Port.
“But it will be difficult for us to play without Wattana Playnum, who was injured in the game against Bangkok United.”
Port coach Jadet Meelarp said he would like to see his team continue their unbeaten run against Muang Thong in the league.
“We did not lose to them in both legs last year but in football it could all amount to nothing,” said Jadet.
“They have a very good coach. They played like underdogs against Bangkok United, but Totchtawan was able to turn things around in the second half.
“I have spotted a few weakness in their game which may give us a chance to steal a win at their home ground.”
Chonburi will be seeking an upturn against Navy tonight at their home ground after losing their opening game to Chiang Rai United. The match will be played at Chonburi Stadium and will kick off at 8pm tonight.
Defending champions Buriram United, fresh from an impressive 1-1 draw against Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande in an away AFC Champions League game on Wednesday, take on Bangkok Glass at home on Sunday night.
Buriram will take the field as favourites since Bangkok Glass coach Joseph Ferrer has already made it clear that he would be content if his team could steal a points from the match.
Bangkok Glass were upset 1-0 by Nakhon Ratchasima last weekend when Buriram edged Ratchaburi Mitr Phol 2-1 at home.
FIXTURES
Today
8pm — Chonburi v Navy
Tomorrow
5.45pm — Pattaya v Chainat
6pm — Muang Thong v Port
7pm — Suphanburi v Nakhon Ratchasima
8pm — Police Tero v True Bangkok Utd
Sunday
6pm — Ratchaburi v Air Force; Ubon UMT v PT Prachuap
7pm — Buriram v Bangkok Glass; Sukhothai v Singha Chiang Rai