Chanathip doubtful for ACL tie

Chanathip doubtful for ACL tie

Muang Thong striker Teerasil Dangda (centre) trains with teammates on Monday.
Muang Thong striker Teerasil Dangda (centre) trains with teammates on Monday.

In the midst of their worst slump in form ever, SCG Muang Thong United face the daunting task of transforming a 3-1 first-leg deficit into a victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in their AFC Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.

The Kirins go into the away match, which is scheduled to kick off today at 5pm (Thai time), on the back of five straight losses, three of them coming against newly promoted sides in Thai League 1.

To make things worse for Muang Thong, playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin missed yesterday's training.

Team director Ronnarit Suewaja said: "Chanathip has a slight injury on his hip and is being treated by the team doctor. We still don't know if he will be available for tomorrow's match. His absence will surely affect our team."

Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan said: "We have to admit that Kawasaki Frontale are a good team. They have many good players.

"In our home game, we played well for one hour but then our players ran out of steam and made mistakes.

"We are here now and we are hoping to put on a better show. Let us see. Anything can happen in football."

Their strike force will be led by Teerasil Dangda.

Kawasaki coach Toru Oniki said: "I have warned my players against underestimating the opponents. Our goal is to win this game. Although we have a three-goal advantage, it will not be an easy match for us."

Meanwhile, Bangkok Glass suffered a big upset in Thai League 1 on Sunday night when they were shocked 1-0 by Nakhon Ratchasima. Chatree Chimtalay netted the winner at Leo Stadium.

Suphanburi picked up three points by beating Navy 2-0, Super Power Samut Prakan ended the first half of the season without a win after a 1-0 loss to Ubon UMT, and Sukhothai defeated Pattaya United 2-0.

The league is taking a break and the second half of the season will begin on June 17.

Muang Thong will play Chiang Rai United on June 2 in their postponed match.

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