Defending champions Buriram United, unaccustomed to languishing in joint sixth place in the Thai League table, are aiming to unleash their wrath on basement side Pattaya United when they clash today.
Buriram’s Andres Tunez in action against Suphanburi.
Buriram, who claimed the 2015 title without losing a single match, are keen to claim three points at Nong Prue Stadium in Pattaya — a result that would not be enough to give them the targetted top spot for the time being.
Buriram, who have a match in hand, are four points behind leaders Bangkok Glass after the Thunder Castle were held to a 2-2 home draw with Suphanburi on Wednesday.
The Glass Rabbits take on BEC Tero Sasana tomorrow, needing a draw to hold on to the first place for at least another week.
Also seeking an upturn today will be last year’s runners-up SCG Muang Thong United, who are joint third with nine points and face Navy away.
Buriram manager Tatthep Pitakpoolsin said: “We don’t have any injured players for this match.
“We were lucky to pick up a point in our last match and we are anxious to return to our top form. We cannot underestimate any team in the Thai League, but we have to win this match.”
Pattaya United assistant coach Pol Chomchuen said: “It will not be an easy match for us but we hope to get at least a draw.”
Muang Thong, after losing two matches in a row at home, are gunning for a win against Navy.
Kirins coach Totchtawan Sripan said: “We cannot blame our players for being unfit after we lost 3-2 to Bangkok United [on Wednesday]. A number of our players played for the national team before the match but we have to rotate our players for each match.
“We need to improve our defence and hope our attack will deliver. We have to leave the setbacks behind and look forward to the next match.
“An away match against Navy is never easy. They lost their last match to Army, so they will sure try to win this game. Our players must regain their form fast and take three points from this game.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League of Thailand’s (PLT) disciplinary committee has barred Sukhothai from playing at their home ground for one match and imposed a fine of 80,000 baht for their fans showing an insulting banner during their last home match against Pattaya United.
Sukhothai’s next home game is scheduled for April 23 when they meet Buriram.