With their campaign for a place in the AFC Champions League knockout phase effectively over, Buriram United are switching their focus to the domestic front.
Buriram take on Nakhon Ratchasima in a northeastern derby in Thai League 1 today without their captain Jakkraphan Kaewprom, but with their star players like Supachok Sarachat and Supchai Chaided being available for selection.
The Thunder Castle, who have a game in hand, will be looking forward to closing the gap with leaders Port, who go into this weekend's away game with Chainat four points ahead of defending champions Buriram.
Buriram assistant manager Sirichai Kimoto was yesterday more worried about getting his players back on their feet after their 2-1 home loss to Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds in midweek in the AFC Champions League than anything else.
"Only injured Jakkraphan is not available, so we will be almost at full strength for the match with Nakhon Ratchasima," said Sirichai.
"We had a tough game in the AFC Champions League, which may necessitate some changes to the team, but our tactics will remain unchanged.
"We have to pick up three points to pressure the leaders. Port have been putting in top performances and I don't think they will slip up easily. It is important for our team to win every match.
"The Swat Cats have started off very well this season, much better than the previous years. We expect it to be a tough game, but it is a home game and we would have to win it."
Nakhon Ratchasima assistant manager ML Oras Devakula said his team are ready to give Buriram defenders a tough time.
"None of our players has any injury and our three attacking players -- Leandro Assumpcao, Bernard Henry and Amadou Ouattara -- are ready for the game," said Oras.
"We are also keen to end the unenviable record of losing our all away games at Buriram for four years in a row.
"Of course, Buriram want three points from us but we will not let them win easily because we are also hoping to pick up a point.
"Our players are in a very good frame of mind so it should not be impossible for us to manage a draw. Our past games have mostly been very close."
Meanwhile, Port are also seeking a win at Chainat tomorrow to keep Buriram and other title challengers at an arm's length.
Port assistant coach Weerayut bin Abdulrahman said: "Our team have been training very hard because we want to keep widening the gap at the top.
"Chainat have been doing well but we have studied their tactics and know how to handle them. Last year, we lost to them in our last match which was a big lesson for our team. This time, every player knows what needs to be done."
Chainat team manager Anurut Nakasai said: "We are the underdogs to Port. They are the leaders and have scored the most number of goals in the league so far, but we have done very well against the big teams at our home ground this season."