TPL
BBCU v TOT
Osotspa Saraburi v Chainat
Army v Bangkok Glass
Wuachon United v Thai Port
Chonburi v BEC Tero
Muangthong Utd v Samut Songkhram
Pattaya v TTM
Police v Chiang Rai Utd
Buriram Utd v Esan Utd
Leg 2 commences with Muangthong United at the head of the pack. Unless something spectacular happens from within the pursuing group, it seems like Chonburi are the Kirins only real challengers for the TPL crown. The fixtures on Wednesday have been reversed from last weekend, although with a plethora of new signings set to make debuts at various clubs, familiarity from last weekend might not be as apparent as anticipated.
Muangthong and Chonburi both enjoyed 2-1 away successes last time out so you'd expect them to be confident enough at home to continue their title quests. Buriram United have several new signings available for the visit of Esan United with the Ćetković brothers from Montenegro adding to the list of foreign internationalists plying their trade in the TPL.
Army and Bangkok Glass have drawn their last three TPL meetings against each other with the latest one being a 0-0 draw last Saturday. Glass may be able to spicen things up with the arrival of the volatile Giorgi Tsimakuridze. Last month the Georgian scored a last gasp equalizer for his old club TTM as they fought back from 2-0 down to grab a point at Army.
Whilst on the subject of TTM, they could move off the foot of the table if their result betters BBCU's. The Tobacco Monopoly head to Pattaya whilst BBCU will be out to avenge last Saturday's 3-2 defeat to TOT. The Klong Toei Army will be hoping that Muangthong loanee, Anusak, can provide the much needed goals that have sorely been missing so far this season. His first assignment could be in Songkla against Wuachon this Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Osotspa host Chainat while Police United make their long overdue return to the Thammasrt Stadium. The arena will be getting plenty of use within the next fortnight as the Crimson Cops have four home games scheduled. Buriram United, Pattaya and Muangthong will quickly follow on after this round's opposition, Chiang Rai United.
Division 1
Songkla v FC Phuket
Siam Navy v Krabi
Khon Kaen v Sriracha
Korat v Pattalung
Raj Pracha v Air Force Utd
JW Rangsit v Ratchaburi
PTT Rayong v Chantaburi
Bangkok Utd v Saraburi
Suphanburi v Bangkok FC
It's any three from the top 6 as the Division 1 promotion hunt livens up. Ratchaburi have been the best side in Leg 1 and should have enough about them to be playing TPL football next season. They could be joined by any two from five with big spending Suphanburi set to unveil the aging duo of Ney Fabiano and Sutee Suksomkit for Leg 2. They'll be opposed for their debuts by the much travelled Sarayoot Chaikamdee as his latest club, Bangkok FC, travel to Suphanburi.
Second placed Krabi have bolstered their strike force be signing Justin Uche Prince and they have taken John Mary on loan from Buriram although the deal for the youngster apparently hasn't been signed and sealed yet. The official TPL website lists Bangkok United as returning to the Thai Japanese Stadium after a six week absence for their match with Saraburi.
Things aren't looking any brighter for Pattalung, Raj Pracha and Chantaburi. With Leg 1 just finishing last weekend, many registered players will no longer be eligible, and with limited resources, you have to wonder where they get the finances to acquire new players. PTT Rayong, Korat and Air Force will be aiming to cash in on their opponent's misfortune.
No comments:
Post a Comment