Bangkok Utd, Port square off
Much at stake as big guns eye ACL play-off spot, Buriram meet Suphanburi
>> Bangkok United and Port square off tomorrow night in a high-stake Thai League 1 battle that could have a strong bearing on which one of the two will earn the right to represent the country in the AFC Champions League play-offs next year.
While it seems that Bangkok United have already given up the hope of challenging leaders Buriram United for this year’s league title, they are eager to hold on to the second spot.
The Thunder Castle, who face Suphanburi tonight, are nine points ahead of Bangkok United with nine more matches to play after this weekend’s games. Bangkok United, whose game revolves around talented Sumanya Purisai, are three points ahead of Port.
Buriram United now look oddson favourites to retain their title and claim a direct entry into the 2019 AFC Champions League group stage.
The second-placed team in Thai League 1 and the FA Cup winners take part in qualifying play-offs for the Asia’s premier club competition.
Bangkok United are more desperate to hang on to the No.2 spot in the league as the other avenue of qualifying for the AFC Champions League has been slammed shut on them — they are already out of the FA Cup.
In a statement which hinted at a big change in the team’s attitude, Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek said the capital side were keen to “finish the league as the runners-up”.
Watsapol added: “This is another important game for us.
“No matter what happens in the match against Port, the second place will still be in our hands but we don’t want to stumble anymore.
“We faltered in many matches but the players’ confidence is better now after our victory [at Chiang Rai United] last weekend.
“We have to keep the second place until the end of the season.”
Port assistant coach Weerayut bin Abdulrahman said his team have a few old scores to settle with Bangkok United.
He added: “We do not have a good record against Bangkok United, but we have worked very hard for this game.
“We have won two matches in a row so the players’ confidence is high at the moment.
“We are still in with a chance to take over the second spot. We hope to win this match.”
Meanwhile, Buriram United will have Javier Patino in their strike force for tonight’s game with Suphanburi.
Buriram are still on course for a clean sweep of domestic titles as they qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after edging Nakhon Pathom FC 2-1 in extra time on Wednesday night. They are also in the last eight of the League Cup.
Sirichai Kimoto, assistant manager of Buriram United, said: “We have played many games over the past few weeks so the players are tired. The staff coaches and fitness trainers are working very hard to keep them fit.
“We still cannot use Sasalak Haiprakhon who has an injury, but we will have Javier Patino fit to come back in the attack.”
“We cannot underestimate Suphanburi. We have to keep Cleiton Silva under a tight vigil as he is a striker with a good record of scoring goals against us. Our defence is a bit leaky but we have done our work and are ready to claim three points from this home game.”