Beetles, Rabbits ready for title showdown
Chiang Rai United and Bangkok Glass are both desperate to win the Toyota League Cup final, which takes place tomorrow night at Thammasat stadium, Rangsit Campus.
Chiang Rai are keen to lift the trophy to make amends for their loss to SCG Muang Thong United in last year’s title showdown.
The Glass Rabbits, on their part, are seeking victory to avoid ending the year in complete disaster after losing their place in Thai League 1 for the first time in the 10-year history of the club.
Chittawan Chinanuwat, director of Chiang Rai United, said his team have high hopes of claiming t he League Cup trophy.
“This football tournament has always been good to us as this is our second year in a row to reach the final,” said Chittawan.
“Last year, we reached the final but did not win the title. However it was a good experience for the team. This year is another good year for us. We hope to lift the trophy this time.”
He added that the Beetles’ tough semifinal victory over Nakhon Ratchasima had prepared the team well for the title clash.
“The semi-final was a difficult game. We couldn’t win it in 90 minutes and it eventually ended with a shoot-out,” he said, referring to Chiang Rai’s 3-1 victory over the Swat Cats on penalties following a 1-1 deadlock after extra time last month.
Chittawan said, “Two of our key players, Phitiwat Sukjitthummakul and Chaiyawat Buran, are suspended but we have players who can replace them in the final.”
Bangkok Glass coach Anurak Srikerd said, “When I became the coach, my first mission was to help the team survive in Thai League 1, but we failed to accomplish that.
“Now this is the only trophy left for us to make our season look somewhat respectable. Everyone in the team is keen to win the League Cup.
“We want to win it, but we shouldn’t forget that we are up against a strong team like Chiang Rai.
“Moreover, we also have several injured players. Anon Amornlertsak will undergo a fitness test before the match, but Chatree Chimtalay and Piyachana Darit are out of the final picture.
“Thitiphan Puangjan and Chalermsak Akkee are suspended so we need to bring in quite a few replacements.”