As Muang Thong United prepare themselves to take on fellow joint leaders Bangkok Glass at home tomorrow, they once again find themselves in a situation in the Thai Premier League where they can’t afford to err.
Muang Thong, white, hold Buriram to a 2-2 draw at I-Mobile Stadium last week.
Both teams have 38 points from 18 matches and the clash of the two local high-fliers promises fireworks.
With fellow chart-toppers Buriram United, also with 38 points, tipped to score a win away at Si Sa Ket in a northeast derby tomorrow, both Muang Thong and Bangkok Glass are feeling the heat.
In their first meeting this season, Muang Thong and Bangkok Glass played to a goalless draw at Leo Stadium and a similar result tomorrow at SCG Stadium could see both sides demoted to second spot in the standings.
Muang Thong bear the looks of an improved side and they were able to pick up a point from the tough game at I-Mobile stadium last week when they held Buriram to a 2-2 draw.
Bangkok Glass, on their part, rallied from behind to collect three points at their home ground when they edged a determined Chiang Rai side 3-2.
Pol Chomchuen, assistant coach of Muang Thong United, said: “We need to carry out a check on Piyaphol Panichakul’s fitness as we are not sure if he is ready for the match. We don’t have any other injury worries.
“Bangkok Glass are a strong team but we believe that we do have an edge on them. This match will be played at our home turf and in all our past meetings we have beaten them at our stadium. We will be out to keep that record intact and ensure that we stay on top of the league standings.”
Bangkok Glass assistant coach Apisit Imumpai said: “We will have Pakin Kaikaew back after serving out his suspension so that is a positive for us.
“To play with Muang Thong United at their ground has always been a tough task for us and we know that we will once again be taking the field as underdogs. However, we do believe a point from this match is within our grasp.”
Buriram will be in Si Sa Ket tomorrow with the knowledge that they had beaten their rivals 1-0 in their earlier encounter this season.
Buriram United manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin said: “Go Seul-Ki and Suree Sukha are not available for the match because they are serving bans. Both of them are key players for us and playing without them is bound to weaken our team.
“We also have Andres Tunez on the list of doubtful players but we are hoping that he will start. Other players are all fit and looking forward to the match.
“Si Sa Ket always pose a big challenge at home but we must get three points this match.”
Si Sa Ket coach Chalermwut Sa-ngarpol said: “No doubt, Buriram are a better team, but this is our home ground and we must try to at least hold them to a draw.”
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Chonburi will have revenge on their minds as they host Ratchaburi today.
Chonburi coach Jadet Meelarp said: “This will be a tough match. Ratchaburi attack well. In the first leg, we lost 3-1 to them and it is the only match that we have lost in the league this season. We are anxious to beat them and get close to the leaders.”