BEC Tero Sasana have not been a team worth following this season, but the struggling former champions will once again steal the limelight as their performance on the field against Thai Premier League leaders Buriram tomorrow will have a major say in who takes the top spot at the end of this weekend’s hostilities.
BEC Tero, red, manage to get a point from Muang Thong last week.
Last week, Muang Thong United fancied their chances of moving ahead of Buriram in the league rankings but were denied after being held to a 1-1 draw by BEC Tero.
It is now Buriram’s turn to test the mettle of Kenny Shiels’ men who are languishing in 14th place of the 18-team competition.
BEC Tero have yet to win a match under their new Northern Irish coach.
While Muang Thong are heavy favourites to beat relegation-threatened Saraburi at home today, Buriram can expect tougher going against BEC Tero in their own backyard tomorrow, which marks the end of the first half of the season.
Buriram currently enjoy a two-point advantage over the second-placed Kirins.
Meanwhile, Chonburi, who were upset by Pattaya United in the League Cup in midweek, are aiming to pick up three points from their home game with Osotspa today.
Chonburi media director Jeerasak Chomthong said: “We rested many key players in the League Cup defeat as we are focusing on the TPL. We are ready for the match and we don’t have any injury problems. We want three points from this home game.”
Osotspa assistant coach Anon Bandasak said: “Our head coach Stefano Cugura believes that our team is ready to give Chonburi a tough fight although we will be without Apipoo Sunthonpanavej, who is injured. We hope to claim at least a point.”
Suphanburi are confident of winning their match against Army at home tomorrow and their team manager Nat Chayutiman said: “We will be without Sergio van Dijk who is nursing an injury, but all the other players are fit and we are seeking a win.”
Army manager Col Chartree Sangthongsrikamol said: “It will be a tough match against Suphanburi but I can say that we are in with a fair chance of winning on Sunday.”