AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - Group B
Friday
Thailand v IranKuwait v Lebanon
Tuesday
Kuwait v ThailandLebanon v Iran
Current Standings (after 3 matches):
7 Iran
5 Kuwait
4 Lebanon
0 Thailand
As you can see from above, Thailand's task of qualifying is virtually dead and buried. Six points from the next two matches could shake things up, but that's as likely to happen as Shola Ameobi winning the EPL Golden Boot this season.
The national team's latest coach, Surachai Jaturapattarapong, won't have any of the SEA Games under 23 squad at his disposal while several of Winnie Schafer's favorites have also mysteriously vanished from the squad.
Rajamangala will host the Iran match before the squad fly out to Kuwait over the weekend.
Div 2 Playoffs
Group A - Saturday
Pitsanulok v Nara UtdPrachuap v Kasetsart
Roi Et Utd v Luk Esan
The clash of the weekend comes at Phitsanulok as they welcome improving Nara United. The Violet Army have seen their favorites win all of their home games in the group yet two recent defeats on the road has seen Phitsanulok's substantial advantage whittled down to only one point. Nara United's foreign contingent has been largely responsible for their recent revival which has seen them win their last three matches. The winner of this match would head into the final straight as likely contenders to join Roi Et in the first division.
Roi Et will be much fancied to beat Luk Esan and another win would leave them on the cusp of securing promotion. Kasetsart are four points adrift of the top 2 and a win at Prachuap is essential if they are to keep their outside promotion hopes intact.
Group B - Sunday
Ang Thong v Sukhothai (now Saturday)Paknampo NSRU v Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani v Chiang Mai
As with Group A, the second placed side hosts the one below them in the standings. A home victory for Ang Thong over Sukhothai would move them five points clear of Sukhothai and it would almost certainly consign the northern club to another season of regional league football.
Paknampo NSRU are level on points with Sukhothai and they'll be looking to cash in on the Ang Thong v Sukhothai contest with a home victory over Nakhon Nayok who are currently propping up the table.
Udon Thani have won both of their home matches but they have a tough task preserving that 100% record when they welcome leaders Chiang Mai.
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