Sharks in do-or-die clash with Buriram

Second-ranked Chonburi must beat pacesetters Buriram United tomorrow to keep alive their slim hopes of winning the Thai League 1 title.

After 16 matches, runaway leaders Buriram have 42 points, nine ahead of the Sharks.

Both secured big wins last week with Buriram defeating Sukhothai 3-0 and Chonburi beating Police Tero 5-3.

Buriram also beat Muang Thong United 2-1 in the League Cup last-16 round in midweek.

It could be a difficult task for Chonburi to win at Chang Arena as Buriram have won 10 consecutive games in all competition.

The Thunder Castle also won 3-2 at Chonburi in their meeting in T1 earlier in the season.

"We are the underdogs," said Chonburi coach Sasom Pobprasert.

"We will be without Sumanya Purisay and Channarong Promsrikaew who are nursing injuries after playing for the national team."

Brazilian forward Danilo Alves, the league's leading scorer with 12 goals, needs a late fitness test, Sasom said.

Alves was on target twice against Police last week and scored both goals in Chonburi's 3-2 loss to Buriram this season.

"It will be a tough game for us but we will keep fighting. We won't play for a draw. It's three points or nothing for us."

Buriram coach Masatada Ishii said: "We played Muang Thong in the League Cup in midweek and now face another tough team in Chonburi.

"But we will play at home so we have to win."

Midfielder Peeradol Chamrasamee needs a late fitness test, he said.

Buriram's strike force will be led by Supachai Chaided, who has scored 11 league goals this term.

In today's action, coach Dusit Chalermsan will lead PT Prachuap to face his old club Port at Sam Aoh Stadium.

Both teams are in confident mood after getting off to winning starts to the second half of the season last week.