Spotlight on Port and BG Pathum clash

The second half of the Thai League 1 season starts this weekend with Port meeting BG Pathum United in a blockbuster clash tomorrow.

The league is returning after taking a month's break for the World Cup and the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

After 15 games, seventh-placed Port have 22 points, two behind fifth-ranked Pathum.

Runaway leaders Buriram have 39 points, nine ahead of Chonburi.

National team manager Nualphan Lamsam helped the War Elephants retain the AFF title this week.

She will be hoping that the success with the national side will be a good omen for Port where she is the chairwoman.

Nualphan unveiled two new Port players yesterday -- goalkeeper Somporn Yos from Muang Thong United and defender Thiti Thumporn from Lamphun.

"Somporn and Thiti will help make our team stronger. We still hope to win the league and the FA Cup," she said.

"We know that BG are a strong team with many good players. But we hope to get off to a winning start to the second leg of the season."

The second half of the season kicks off today with Muang Thong's visit to newcomers Lampang.

Once an all-conquering side, Muang Thong are trying to avoid the drop.

They are now 10th on 16 points, five above the red zone.

Muang Thong unveiled six players on Thursday including Brazilian forward Willian Popp who is making a return to the Kirins.

The other five are Jaroensak Wonggorn, Patiwat Kummai, Kannarin Tawonsak, Kritsanaprom Boonsarn and Kana Kumyok.

It will be a good opportunity for Muang Thong to get precious points as Lampang are at the foot of the table.

"Willian may be what we lacked in the first leg [of the season]," said Muang Thong coach Mario Gjurovski. "In the second leg, we target finishing in the top half of the table. We also want to win at least one cup competition for our fans."