SCG Muang Thong United will look to continue the Thai domination of the J-League clubs in the Toyota Premier Cup when they take on Sanfrecce Hiroshima tonight.
The Kirins, winners of the Thai League title last year, are expected to face a gruelling battle for the silverware at Supachalasai stadium. The match kicks off at 7pm and will be televised live by Thai Rat TV.
For the past six years, the Thai clubs have won five times with their only defeat coming in 2012 when Nagoya Grampus beat Buriram United 2-0.
Buriram edged Albirex Niigata 2-1 last year to capture the Premier Cup, a friendly annual competition that pits the Thai League champions against a leading J-League side in the close season.
Wasant Janpranod, marketing manager of Muang Thong United, said: "It is a big honour for us to take part in the Premier Cup for the first time.
"We have had a busy pre-season and have played friendlies in Laos and Hong Kong. We are ready and looking forward to the match.
"Facing Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a good opportunity for our team as we are preparing for the AFC Champions League as well.
"We will line up the best players for this match. We only have one week left before the new season kicks off, so we want to test our players.
"We are aware of the challenge we face against Sanfrecce Hiroshima as they are three-time former J-League champions. It should be an interesting game."
Sanfrecce Hiroshima manager Hajime Moriyasu said: "We have some information on Muang Thong United as they played their pre-season matches in Laos and Hong Kong.
"We have prepared our team well. We have been here for a week and have played a warm-up match with Bangkok Glass.
"Muang Thong have many national players so we cannot afford any mistakes against them, but our aim is win the cup."
Asked about Thailand playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, who will be playing for Consadole Sapporo in July, Moriyasu said: "I have seen him play for the national team. He is very skilled and has good speed. It is a good opportunity for him to play in the J-League."
The winners of the match will receive one million baht and a Toyota Corolla Altis ESport, while the losers will earn 500,000 baht.