With a solitary point separating them from pursuing rivals, Thai Premier League champions Buriram cannot afford another slip-up when they travel to Ratchaburi today.
Buriram's Diogo Santo, right, in action against Bangkok United in the FA Cup in midweek.
Last week, leaders Buriram could only manage a scoreless home draw with Army United, and are now only one point ahead of Muang Thong United and Bangkok Glass.
“I apologise to our fans for dropping two points,” Buriram chairman Newin Chidchob said after the Army stalemate.
“We will try to improve in the next match.”
Buriram’s confidence was boosted by a 3-0 win over Bangkok United in the last-64 round of the FA Cup in midweek, with Brazilian forwards Diogo Santo and Gilberto Macena on both target during the match.
However, it may not be easy for the Thunder Castle to get a result at Ratchaburi who lie in fourth place, only four points off the pace.
Tomorrow, Muang Thong United travel to Chonburi in the biggest clash of the weekend.
Chonburi, runners-up last season, have won only twice this season but hope to beat bitter rivals Muang Thong.
Chonburi media director Jeerasak Chomthong said his team was only 80 percent ready for the match because several players were either exhausted or injured.
However, he believes it will be an exciting match and hopes his team return to winning ways.
“We both have huge fan bases,” he said. “We have dropped too many points with eight draws so we have to try to win this game.”
Muang Thong assistant coach Pol Chomchuen said coach Dragan Talajic had fielded a strong side in the FA Cup in midweek but this would not affect the team.
“We have several good players and want to win every competition,’’ he said.
“We can beat Chonburi to put pressure on the leaders.”
Muang Thong will be without captain Datsakorn Thonglao, who is suspended.