Embattled BEC Tero Sasana coach Kenny Shiels has set himself the target of ending second-placed Muang Thong United’s winning streak in their Thai Premier League clash today, a result that doesn’t seem to be on the cards if the form book is anything to go by.
Buriram captain Suchao Nutnum, left, in action against Bangkok Glass.
The Fire Dragons have lost four matches in a row in the league with their latest defeat coming at the hands of relegation contenders Saraburi who won 2-1.
With the win, Saraburi are now third from bottom on 10 points, only three behind BEC.
This weekend BEC will host high-flying Muang Thong, who are separated only by goal difference from Buriram at the top on 33 points.
Shiels, who has yet to win a match since becoming BEC coach in May, said although his men have failed to get good results, their performances on the pitch have been satisfactory.
He claimed they have done well in some matches but not got the expected results.
“Muang Thong are a big team. In this league, they are like Real Madrid or Barcelona of Spain,’’ said the Northern Irishman.
“We are definitely the underdogs but we will play to the best of our potential and I hope that this time the result will not disappoint our fans. We should be able to pick up at least a point from the match.”
Shiels will be without several key players including Thailand midfielder Chanathip ‘Messi Jay’ Songkrasin.
Muang Thong assistant coach Pol Chomchuen commented that his side were now riding on a wave of confidence.
“Our team’s performance is coming along well now and our players are gaining confidence,’’ he said.
“BEC Tero may not be in great form at the moment, but they are always quite strong on their home turf so we cannot underestimate them.
“We are under pressure to perform as we need to claim three points from this match to keep our team at the top of the league standings.”
Meanwhile, Buriram will also be feeling the heat as they play an away match at Saraburi today.
The Thunder Castle have been held to two successive draws that have allowed Muang Thong to catch them at the top.
For the game in Saraburi, Buriram will be without their captain Suchao Nutnum who has been suspended for one match following an altercation in Wednesday’s scoreless draw with Bangkok Glass, where Rabbits forward Lazarus Kaimbi was also slapped with a four-match ban for punching Suchao.
However, Buriram will have Jakkraphan Kaewprom back after serving out his suspension.
Buriram manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin said: “We have no choice but to pick up three points from this match. We cannot afford any other outcome.”
Saraburi coach Phairoj Bovornwattanadilok, whose team beat BEC Tero Sasana in their last match, said: “We are looking forward to the match with Buriram. They are strong but it will not be easy for them to beat us at our home ground.”