Buriram look to retain title on last day
Chiang Rai seek victory at Suphanburi, hope for big favour from relegated neighbours
>> Buriram United coach Bozidar Bandovic is hoping his men will be able to “stay focused” for 90 minutes and get the better of already-relegated Chiangmai to claim a record-extending seventh Thai League 1 title tonight.
As the top-flight season comes to an end tonight, the Thunder Castle go into their last league match knowing that a draw may not be enough.
Chiang Rai United, who will be at Suphanburi, are only two points adrift and in case the two sides end up with the same number of points, the Beetles will be crowned the champions for the first time in the club’s history.
Under the rules, a tie on points is resolved on the basis of headto-head records between the teams involved.
Chiang Rai had held Buriram to a goalless draw away in the first leg in April and then thrashed the defending champions 4-0 at home in July.
Bandovic said: “As it happens, the last match of the league is the most important game for us this season.
“We will have to stay focused throughout the match, that is the most important thing.
“Whether we will the lift the trophy this year or not depends on our own team. Every player must have the same concentration as the game against Port last week.”
Buriram defeated visiting Port 3-1 last Sunday to push their opponents out of the title race.
After Port took the lead, the Thunder Castle rallied with goals from Nacer Barazite, Supachok Sarachat and Kevin Ingreso.
There has been criticism of the officiating in Buriram’s win over Port, who have decided against a lodging a complaint.
Unless Chiangmai can find a way to bin the form book, the Thunder Castle are likely to dominate the game at Chiang Mai 700th Anniversary Stadium.
In today’s final round of matches, Chiang Rai have a somewhat tricky assignment as they visit Suphanburi, a side fighting to avoid the drop.
The Beetles, who routed PT Prachuap 4-1 last week, are hoping for a miracle to happen in Chiang Mai to end their barren run in Thai League 1.
Buriram have won the top division in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018, while Chiang Rai have so far lifted the FA Cup in 2017 and 2018 and the League Cup in 2018.
At the other end of the table, both Chiangmai and Chainat have already been relegated.
Suphanburi and Sukhothai are struggling to stave off relegation, but they might strike it lucky.
PTT Rayong are facing an uncertain future after reports of a pullout by their main sponsor.
In a policy switch, PTT has reportedly decided to concentrate more on youth development projects, dealing a financial blow to the Rayong-based club.
Reports say that owners of the club are weighing their options with a dissolution being the most likely scenario.
The club’s board will announce their decision on Monday.
If they dissolve the club or opt for a break, Chiangmai and Chainat will be the only two teams relegated to the second division.
FIXTURES
Today
(All matches kick off at 6 pm)
Bangkok Utd v PTT Rayong; Port v Samut Prakan City; PT Prachuap v Ratchaburi; Nakhon Ratchasima v Sukhothai ; Chonburi v Chainat; Suphanburi v Chiang Rai Utd; Trat v Muang Thong Utd; Chiangmai v Buriram Utd