Weekend Preview 25-26 August

TPL
(Saturday)
Buriram Utd v Bangkok Glass
Esan Utd v Samut Songkhram
BBCU v TTM
Osotspa Saraburi v Chiang Rai Utd

(Sunday)
Police Utd v Army Utd
Wuachon Utd v Pattaya Utd
Chonburi v Muangthong Utd
Chainat v Thai Port
TOT v BEC Tero

Chonburi and Muangthong cross swords again this Sunday. The Sharks face a difficult challenge in containing the current table toppers, but will take heart from Buriram's performance last weekend at the SCG that showed Jokanovic's team are far from invincible. Nevertheless, the feeling is that anything other than three points for Chonburi would almost certainly end the title race with the trophy destined to land in Nonthaburi.

At the foot of the table, there are two crucial games involving the two at the bottom of the pit and the pair of sides currently occupying the two spots just above the drop zone. TTM have been drinking at the Last Chance Saloon for awhile now and defeat at second bottom BBCU would prompt the call for last orders on TTM's top flight status.
Chainat's recent slump must have alarm bells ringing. In their last eight games, the Hornbills have only taken a paltry three points and worryingly have shipped 28 goals during this decline. Their opponents, Thai Port, have been threatening to break into some decent form, but have been falling short of fulfilling that promise at the final hurdle.
Games between Police Utd and Army Utd are usually tight and I'd expect this one to go the same way. The appearance of ex Army crowd favorite, Leandro dos Santos, could spicen things up as the Crimson Cops aim to build on their first home win last week.
The other side in the thick of the relegation battle, Pattaya Utd, make the long trip down to Songkla to face Wuachon. The Dolphins have only collected five points from nine away matches and this needs to be improved if they want to avoid demotion to the first division.

Elsewhere, Buriram host Bangkok Glass while the Osotspa v Chiang Rai Utd match has mid-table written all over it.
BEC Tero begin life without head coach, Andrew Ord, after the Englishman lost his position earlier in the week. The Fire Dragons make the short trip up Vipavadee Road to TOT.
The last match has Esan Utd against in form Samut Songkhram who will reportedly receive another bonus payment if they win in Esan.

Division 1
(Saturday)
JW Rangsit v Khon Kaen
Songkla v Suphanburi
Krabi v Saraburi
Siam Navy v Phatthalung
Chantaburi v Air Force Utd

(Sunday)
FC Phuket v Ratchaburi
Raj Pracha v Bangkok Utd
Korat v Bangkok FC
PTT Rayong v Sriracha

Ratchaburi have a healthy nine point advantage over the four teams log jammed between second and fifth on 46 points. The Dragons travel to the Phuket Islanders who have edged away from the drop zone after winning their last three games 1-0.
The big clash of the weekend sees PTT Rayong host fellow eastern seaboard side, Sriracha. In the reverse fixture, PTT won 2-0 and the Petroleum Authority will be hoping for something similar this time. Suphanburi were stunned last week when they were beaten by lowly JW Rangsit. The Suphanburi Warriors make the long trip to Songkla as they bid to keep in touch at the top. Bangkok United will be expecting to win at struggling Raj Pracha. The club based at Salaya have only picked up two points from the last 27 available, and as a consequence they've been cut adrift at the bottom with Chantaburi.
Unexpectedly, big payers, Bangkok FC, are plummeting towards Division 2 after a recent run of poor results. Their only victory in their last eight was a 2-1 success over Chantaburi. Next up for the Bulligans is Korat away shortly followed by PTT (A) and Ratchaburi (H).

Division 2 BKK
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Kasem Bundit
Assumption Thonburi v Luk Esan
Krung Thonburi v Nonthaburi
Samut Prakarn Utd v R-BEC
Chamchuri Utd v Rangsit FC

(Sunday)
Kasetsart v Customs Utd
Samut Sakhon v Bangkok Christian
Central Lions v North Bangkok
Rayong Utd v Globex FC

With the exception of Thai Honda, the top sides have been dropping points lately. The Speed Kings have a four point cushion at the top and with the visit of Kasem Bundit, they should maintain that advantage. R-BEC have a testing fixture at Samut Prakarn Utd on Saturday while the stuttering trio of Kasetsart, Samut Sakhon and Rayong Utd have home fixtures on Sunday.