Buriram have tough outing against Jeju
Thai League 1 champions Buriram United will make their first appearance at home after almost two years in the AFC Champions League when they welcome Jeju United to their Chang Arena in Group G today.
The match kicks off at 6pm and will be televised live on Fox Sports 3.
Buriram got off to a good start in the current campaign last week when they drew 1-1 at former champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
Their new Brazilian striker Edgar earned a point for the Thai champions with an equaliser.
South Korea’s Jeju need a result today to stay in contention for the top two spots of the group after losing 1-0 at home to Japan’s Cerezo Osaka in their opening game.
Despite Buriram’s positive result in China, they have not won in seven games in the continental club championship ahead of their first-ever meeting with Jeju.
Buriram coach Bozidar Bandovic told yesterday’s press conference: “Every game in the AFC Champions League is difficult but we are confident. We know that it is difficult to keep our steady form but we want to do it.
“The match with Jeju United will not be easy. They have some players who used to play in Europe. It is an important match not just for Buriram but also for Thai football. Teams from Korea often play fast football. Their players are also big and tall. However, we have to get our tactics right for the match.”
Jeju coach Jo Sung-Hwan said: “We are well-prepared for this match but it will be difficult for our players because the weather here is much hotter than that in Korea at the moment.”