Weekend Preview 4-5 August

TPL
(Saturday)
Esan Utd v Chainat
BBCU v Bangkok Glass
Osotspa Saraburi v Thai Port
Army Utd v BEC Tero

(Sunday)
Wuachon v Samut Songkhram
Chonburi v TTM
Muangthong v Chiang Rai Utd
Police Utd v Pattaya
Buriram Utd v TOT

On Saturday, BBCU have the chance to make it three wins on the trot as they host Bangkok Glass. Junior Aparecido Guimaro or Juninho as the name on the back of his shirt indicates, has taken the TPL by storm with three goals from his first two games. The pint sized Brazilian could prove to be the livewire required to keep Big Bang in the TPL.
Last month BEC Tero v Army and Thai Port v Osotspa ended in drab 0-0 draws. Fingers crossed then that the reverse fixtures provide more titillation for the watching onlookers.
The Esan Utd and Chainat fixture sees two sides currently in a patchy run of form. Esan haven't won in five while Chainat have only collected one point from the last 12 available.

The Fighting Beetles of Chiang Rai are currently five unbeaten but stretching that too six looks incredibly doubtful as they travel to runaway leaders, Muangthong United.
Chonburi should have too much for TTM while Buriram will be desperate to beat TOT and secure their first home TPL win since March. Their last home league victory came against Osotspa over four months ago although the Thunder Castle did enjoy a home success on Wednesday when they eliminated Chonburi from FA Cup.
The last encounter between Samut Songkhram and Wuachon ended 4-4. Since that match, Wuachon have only picked up 2 points while Samut Songkhram are inches from safety after completing the double over Chonburi.
Despite having a fair amount of cash at their disposal, Police United are currently in the bottom three. The Crimson Cops haven't won since April and it's now twelve games without a win. Their guests this Sunday, Pattaya, have a similar unwanted record although their sequence of blanks only stretches back eight matches.

Division 1
(Saturday)
Bangkok Utd v Suphanburi
Korat v Sriracha
Siam Navy v Chantaburi
PTT Rayong v Ratchaburi
Songkla v Air Force Utd

(Sunday)
Krabi v FC Phuket
Khon Kaen v Bangkok FC
JW Rangsit v Pattalung
Saraburi v Raj Pracha

The first division is unique in that 16 out of the 18 clubs are realistically involved in either a promotion or a relegation battle - although you could argue that it's only 15 as the Chantaburi ship has basically already sunk. The only two clubs comfortably tucked up in the sanctuary of mid-table are Siam Navy and Korat. Both sides have improved after indifferent starts and I'm sure neither side will throw in the towel until it's mathematically impossible not to go up. Siam Navy have Chantaburi at home which virtually ensures them three points while the Swatcats reacquaint themselves with Sriracha for the third time in the last few weeks.

At the top, the game of the week is PTT Rayong v Ratchaburi. League leaders Ratchaburi have a nine point advantage over PTT in fourth and I reckon the Dragons wouldn't be too unhappy if they got a point out of this one. The Bangkok United v Suphanburi clash is also one that wets the appetite and the Angels will be looking towards their mercurial Frenchman Romain Gasmi to help them to victory.

JW Rangsit will move back closer to home as they'll play Pattalung at the Chalerm Prakiat Klong 6 Stadium. The Rangsit club are becoming detached from the main group and it's essential that they collect three points against the struggling Swiftlets. Likewise, Raj Pracha are in similar danger, and with only one win in their last twelve, it's hard to see them surviving. This Sunday they travel to Saraburi where another defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb.

Division 2 BKK
Chamchuri Utd 4-3 Central Lions (Played on Wednesday)

(Saturday)
Krung Thonburi v Rangsit FC
R-BEC v Kasem Bundit
Kasetsart v Samut Sakhon

(Sunday)
Luk Esan v Nonthaburi
Assumption Thonburi v Customs
Thai Honda v Globex
Samut Prakarn Utd v North Bangkok
Rayong United v Bangkok Christian

Rayong United have built up a three point gap at the top, but between second and fifth, there are only two points separating four sides. Two of them meet this Saturday with third placed Kasetsart at home to the side two places below them, Samut Sakon. Thai Honda in second, should be too strong for Globex as should R-BEC with the visit of Kasem Bundit. Leaders Rayong United host third bottom Bangkok Christian who'll hope to have John Mary their new signing from Buriram United available.