As Thai League 1 leaders Buriram United relish the opportunity to cement their place at the top, Port and struggling former champions SCG Muang Thong United face tricky assignments this weekend.
Buriram are heavy favourites to defeat Suphanburi -- spotted in 15th place in the 16-team league after winning just three games in their 16 outings so far -- tomorrow, but the same cannot be said about Port and the Kirins.
Port, who are down to fifth spot after losing three games in a row, will be at Ratchaburi Mitr Phol tonight, while Muang Thong host second-ranked True Bangkok United tomorrow.
Buriram lost their second match of the season last weekend when they were shocked by Chonburi, but the Thunder Castle made amends by reaching the League Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over JL Chiangmai in midweek.
Buriram assistant manager Sirichai Kimoto said his team "will have to check on the fitness of Jakkraphan Kaewprom and Suchao Nutnum before the match.
"If they aren't ready, we have the replacements ready as we are seeking three points from this home game."
Suphanburi coach Adebayo Gabadebo said: "We have gained a lot of confidence from victory over Chainat last weekend, but Buriram are a different proposition.
"We are hoping to pick up a point, so let's see if we can accomplish that."
Ratchaburi will have Philip Roller back from illness for Port's visit this evening, but their coach Marco Simone is keeping his feet on the ground.
"Port are a good team with many good players, but it is important for us to grab a point from this game," said Simone.
Port coach Jadet Meelarp plans to "use the best players in the game against Ratchaburi".
Port led the standings a couple of weeks ago before they lost three straight matches and Jadet said that "it's important that we get our campaign back on track now."
Meanwhile, Muang Thong, who have just pulled themselves out of the three-team relegation zone, have continued their spending spree.
The Kirins yesterday officially unveiled two more new players -- Thai-Italian Marco Ballini and Thai-Spaniard Ernesto Phumipha -- for the second leg.
Muang Thong had earlier signed Derley, Daisuke Sato and Bruno Gallo.
Kirins director Ronnarit Suewaja said he was confident that both Marco and Ernesto would play crucial roles in bringing back the lost glory to the former champs.