Buriram ready to reboot title charge

Buriram ready to reboot title charge

Ratchaburi hopes for good result at Muang Thong as league resumes after month-long break

Buriram United forward Jakson Coelho, No.50, in action against Super Power.
Buriram United forward Jakson Coelho, No.50, in action against Super Power.

Thai League 1 battles resume today after a month-long international break and leaders Buriram United are hoping to get down to business straightaway.

The Thunder Castle restart their quest for their fourth top-flight title at home and are targeting three points from their clash with Chiang Rai United.

Buriram manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin said: "We have the SEA Games and senior national team players back with the team. We have run checks on them, and they are all fit and looking forward to the game with Chiang Rai United.

"Our goal is to grab three points in every remaining match.

"And of course, we want to win the Cup competitions as well.

"Club president Newin Chidchob has already told the team that we must bring all the trophies back to Buriram and we are on course to achieve the feat."

He also lauded Sasalak Haiprakhon for his fine performance during last month's SEA Games in Malaysia.

"He looks more confident after winning the SEA Games gold medal. He is fighting for a place in the Buriram starting line-up with Korakot Wiriyaudomsiri, which is a healthy sign for the team."

Buriram will be hoping for another scoring spree from forward Jakson "Jaja" Coelho, who has been on fire in his first season in Thailand.

The Brazilian scored four goals in the Thunder Castle's 7-0 win at Super Power before the break.

Chiang Rai United marketing manager Roj Putthakhun said: "Our SEA Games players were in good form during the tournament in Malaysia.

"While most of our players are fit, we have to check on the fitness of Prathum Chuthong, who is carrying a minor injury.

"Our target is to finish in the top three but we are currently four points behind the second- and third-place sides. It isn't a big gap and I think we can meet our target."

Defending champions SCG Muang Thong United will also be home, facing Ratchaburi.

Kirins coach Totchtawan Sripan said: "We only have Lee Ho who has an injury on his calf, but we have to check the national team players for their fitness level again.

"We are also not sure if goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan will be declared fit by the team doctor. We are not sure of his return to the team.

"Sarach Yooyen is getting better in training [following a long-term injury lay-off]. He is nearly 80-90% fit and it is time for him to regain some lost confidence."

Totchtawan added: "We must get three points from this game to close the gap on Buriram."

Ratchaburi coach Juan Jose Martin said: "It is not easy to beat Muang Thong at their home ground but I think we have a chance to produce a good result.

"Although our results in away matches are not very good, we have performed well against big teams like Buriram United, whom we defeated on their own turf.

"Muang Thong have many international players who combine well. But we still hope to share a point with them in this game."

Third-place Bangkok United are at Pattaya United while Bangkok Glass travel to Ubon UMT United.

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