Buoyant Bangkok United face stiff test
New leaders take on Ratchaburi at home as defending champs Buriram travel to Prachuap
>> Only a week after taking over the top spot, Bangkok United face a tricky clash with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol this evening that could have a bearing on the Thai League 1 standings.
However, defending champions Buriram United, who now lag behind Bangkok United by one point, are also expecting a tough trip to PT Prachuap, the top-flight first-timers who are ranked fifth in the league, tomorrow.
Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek was quick to warn his players against getting carried away by their recent run of wins.
“Ratchaburi have many good players in their team,” said Watsapol whose team beat Suphanburi 2-1 last week.
“Although we have won 11 matches in a row, we cannot underestimate any opponents at all. We have to keep our form stable.
“We don’t target wins, but we only aim to deliver our best in every match.”
Watsapol added that Bangkok United, whose midfield is marshalled by crafty Sumanya Purisay, are not likely to tinker much with their starting line-up for the game against Ratchaburi.
“We will have Robson Fernandes back after a one-match suspension but will be without Anthony Ampaipitakwong, who is suspended. But the other players are available for the game.
“We will not change any players although we have an FA Cup match in the midweek because we are expecting a tough game against Ratchaburi. It is important for our team to get three points from this game.”
Buriram are hoping to bounce back from their shock 1-0 loss to Chainat last week and that too against Prachuap, a side which has not been beaten at home so far this season.
Prachuap coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul said: “Buriram are the team to beat in the league — they are the reigning champions.
“They lost the last match but one can’t draw much inspiration from that because they remain a strong team, full of good players, especially their striker Diogo Luis Santo.
“We will be playing at our home ground so we must at least try to get three points from this game.
“We will not have Siroch Chatthong available for this match because of injury, but we have players who can replace him.
Buriram United coach Bozidar Bandovic said: “Our players must leave behind the result of the previous match and look forward to the game with Prachuap.
“We have to regain our form and confidence and three points is what we need from this trip to Prachuap.”
Also tomorrow, third-place Port host Bangkok Glass, who are making a desperate effort to stay afloat in the top league.