Buriram poised to claim title

Buriram poised to claim title

Defending champions one point ahead of Chonburi going into last round of fixtures

Buriram United are on course to retain the Thai Premier League title on the last day of the season today.

Javier Patino, right, will lead Buriram United’s attack against Police United today.

Buriram are one point ahead of Chonburi and will host relegation contenders Police United.

Chonburi need a home win against Si Sa Ket plus an unlikely Buriram slip-up at their I-Mobile Stadium.

Buriram are brimming with confidence after they surprisingly regained the lead in midweek by beating TOT and Chonburi were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Chainat.

"We have several players who cannot play today but we are confident that we will win,'' said Buriram coach Alexandre Gama.

The Thunder Castle will be without Prathum Chuthong, Surat Sukha, Jakkraphan Kaewprom and Nattawut Sombutyotha but striker Javier Patino, who got injured in midweek, is fit.

Police coach Atthapol Bussapakom will lead his men to his former club, which sacked him last season. Atthapol will be without Teerapong Deehamhae, who is suspended, and Dagno Siaka, who is injured.

With five teams going down to League One, Police could still be relegated.

"Although we have a better chance of staying up than other teams, we will not depend on other results. We have to get our own result for survival,'' said Police deputy manager Monchai Wisuthiphaiboon.

Chonburi's PR manager said it was disappointing to see his team in second before the last match.

"Buriram are favourites to win the title. But we will give our all, at least for our fans,'' he said.

TOT are favourites to get demoted as they have to win and hope other results go their way.

Singhtarua are also in the race to avoid the drop as they will have nine points deducted.

Samut Songkhram, Air Force, Songkhla and PTT Rayong have been relegated.

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