Bangkok Utd’s opportunity to steal top spot
Buriram plan rotation for clash at Pattaya
>> After seeing Buriram United cling to the top spot for almost three months, Thai League 1 looks set to welcome new leaders tonight.
Bangkok United, trailing Buriram by only two points, take on bottomplaced Air Force Central and are the odds-on favourites for a victory in the away match.
However, Bangkok United’s predicted elevation to the top spot could prove to be a short-lived affair as Buriram are also tipped to beat Pattaya United tomorrow.
Air Force, with just one win and two draws in their 15 games so far in the top flight, are hoping to pick up a point by holding Bangkok United to a stalemate.
Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek has warned his men not to take their struggling rivals for granted. “We don’t have any injured or suspended players and everyone is looking forward to the match,” said Watsapol.
“We have told the players not to underestimate Air Force. We have to continue our good run, but playing away against any team is always difficult.”
The capital side have won seven matches in a row and their strikeforce will be led by striker Robson Fernandes and midfielder Vader Luiz.
Air Force assistant coach Warit Bo ons rip at ta ya non thin ted at changes in the team for the second leg of the league battles. “We might bring in some new foreign players. This is because we are trying to adjust the team for the second leg,” Warit said.
“Although we have lost many matches, I think we are getting better.
“In a football league, it is only the points that matter. We are hoping to find a way to turn our season around in the second leg.
“For Bangkok United, we will not let them have an easy game and we might as well manage a draw against them,” said Warit, whose team are 15 points from safety.
Buriram might find themselves relying on their bench once again at Pattaya United tomorrow.
Buriram assistant manager Sirichai Kimoto said: “We have to check our players’ fitness. Some of them have sustained knocks in the match with Jeonbuk in the AFC Champions League.
“The coach may rotate some players, making it another tough game for us.”
Buriram were eliminated in the AFC Champions League last-16 round after losing 2-0 at South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors who won 4-3 on aggregate in midweek.
Pattaya United chairman Tanet Phanichewa said: “Buriram United always pose a stiff challenge but we will try to pick up a point from the game.”
The league will take a break after next week’s round of matches and resume on June 9.