Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Last Day & Division 2 Preview

TPL
Chiang Rai Utd v Buriram Utd
TTM v Police Utd
Samut Songkhram v Pattaya Utd
BEC Tero v Muangthong Utd
Thai Port v Chonburi
Wuachon Utd v Bangkok Glass
Chainat v Army Utd
TOT v Osotspa Saraburi
Esan Utd v BBCU

The 2012 TPL season draws to a close some 226 days after it started back on 17 March. Incidentally, the same opening day fixtures will be reversed to wind up the season.
All the major issues have been decided with Muangthong United being crowned champions and Chonburi as runners-up while Thai Port, BBCU and TTM have already started contemplating life in the second tier.
The BEC Tero v Muangthong game takes the spotlight for two reasons this Sunday. First, Muangthong are trying to complete the unique feat of going through the 34 game season undefeated, and for their opponents, BEC Tero, they need a point to claim third spot above last season's champions Buriram. A point apiece would suit each other very nicely!!
Elsewhere it's just a clambering for final positions with three points separating seven clubs between Esan United in 6th and Chiang Rai Utd in 13th place.

Division 1
Bangkok FC v Krabi
Siam Navy v PTT Rayong
Chantaburi v Songkhla
FC Phuket v JW Rangsit
Ratchaburi v Raj Pracha
Air Force Utd v Korat
Phatthalung v Bangkok Utd
Saraburi v Khon Kaen
Sriracha v Suphanburi

The only issue to be concluded is who joins Chantaburi, Raj Pracha, JW Rangsit and Phatthalung in the regional leagues next season. Songkhla currently occupy that fifth demotion spot but you'd fancy them to get three points at ailing Chantaburi. Likewise, FC Phuket should beat JW Rangsit at home so that leaves Khon Kaen needing a point at Saraburi to save themselves from a second consecutive relegation.
At the top, Ratchaburi are already confirmed as champions and they'll be joined in the top flight by Suphanburi and Bangkok United.
The golden boot looks Halifax bound as Lee Tuck currently tops the chart with 22 goals. Next in line is Douglas Gardozo on 19. The Dragons host relegated Raj Pracha and I'm certain Douglas will be granted permission to take every set piece in and around the box as he bids to catch the Bulligan's hitman.

Div 2 Playoffs
(Group A - Sunday)
Pattani v Ayutthaya
Roi Et v Phitsanoluk
NSRU v Rayong Utd

Group leaders Ayutthaya make the long trip to Pattani who have drawn all three games 1-1. The Queen Cannons are undefeated on their own patch this season and I'm sure Ayutthaya would settle for extending Pattani's 1-1 sequence to four matches.
Roi Et finally got their campaign up and running with an impressive 2-0 victory at Rayong United in Round 3. The visit of bottom side Phitsanoluk gives the Esan club an ideal opportunity to build on last week's victory.
Both NSRU and Rayong Utd sit on four points with Roi Et and the pair need to bounce back after defeats last weekend.

(Group B)
(Saturday)
Thai Honda v Chiang Mai FC
Trat v Rayong FC

(Sunday)
Trang v Sisaket Utd

Rayong FC face their most difficult test so far putting their 100% winning record on the line as they travel to Trat. The two league matches between the Central/East pair were both drawn which hints that we could see a third draw.
Thai Honda have lost their last two games and need to get back on track as they host struggling Chiang Mai FC. The northern side's coach offered to resign earlier in the week after his side threw away a 2 goal lead at home to Trang. However, his offer was rejected by the club owners who'd prefer to make any changes once the playoffs have finished.
Similar to Chiang Mai, Trang have also failed to make any impact in the group so far, but they will be buoyed by their late fightback at Chiang Mai last Monday. The Dugons host Sisaket United who have won their last two.

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