Bangkok United under pressure to win
Capital side, shorn of stars, battle with Pattaya; Buriram favourites to sink Navy tonight
>> Second-placed Bangkok United will go into their Thai League 1 encounter with Pattaya United tonight under pressure not to settle for anything less than three points.
An hour after the kick-off of the Bangkok United-Pattaya battle, leaders Buriram United take on a sinking Navy side in an away game that the Thunder Castle are expected win with ease.
Bangkok United lost 2-1 to Buriram in a league battle last weekend to let the Thunder Castle extend their advantage at the top to four points.
Bangkok United, who briefly held the top spot two weeks ago, are depleted by the suspension of their feared attacking duo Teerathep Winothai and Vander Luis for tonight’s home game with Robson Fernandes leading their strikeforce.
Watsapol Kaewpaluek, the assistant coach of Bangkok United, said: “We will be playing without our two main players, Vander Luis and Teerathep, but the team’s confidence is high.
“Although we suffered two disappointing defeats to Buriram in the league and the FA Cup in quick succession, this team is mentally very strong.
“In the previous match, we played very well as we had several chances to score goals but could not convert them.
“Our forwards are not good enough and we have to improve this point. We also lost concentration towards the end of the match.
“Our two new players Rungrat Poomjanthuek and Totsawat Limwannasatied are doing well so I think we might give them a start in the game with Pattaya.”
Defending champions Buriram are overwhelming favourites to score a big win over relegation-threatened Navy, who were whipped 3-1 by Suphanburi last weekend.
Buriram, who are not in danger of losing their No.1 spot this weekend, will have Jakkraphan Kaewprom back from a one-game suspension, while their star players — Diogo Luis Santo, Suchao Nutnum and Andres Tunez — are all ready for the game.
Former champions SCG Muang Thong United are hoping to restart their upward swing when they travel to Ubon UMT United tonight.
The Kirins’ six-game winning streak was brought to a halt at their home ground last weekend when they were edged 2-1 by fifth-place PT Prachuap.
It was the second time fourthranked Muang Thong lost to Prachuap this season. Their first meeting had ended in a 6-1 hammering and prompted their coach Totchtawan Sripan to resign immediately after the match. Totchtawan has now taken over as Police Tero coach.
Third-place Port will take on Sukhothai, who are making a desperate bid to drag themselves out of the drop zone, at home tomorrow night.