Thai FA Cup - Round 3 Preview

(Wednesday 1 August)
Police v Wuachon Utd
Khon Kaen v Chiang Rai Utd
Chainat v TOT
Ayutthaya v Krabi
Buriram Utd v Chonburi
Rayong FC v Thai Port
BBCU v Ratchaburi
Bangkok Glass v Osotspa
Muangthong v Hat Yai
Pattaya v BEC Tero
Army v Trat
Suphanburi v Bangkok FC

The Thai FA Cup 3rd Round kicks off this Wednesday with Buriram United against Chonburi the pick of the fixtures. Neither side will relish losing to their fierce adversary so I expect they'll field their strongest teams. The duo have lost pace with Muangthong in the TPL and winning one of the cups appears to be their best route to silverware this season.

There are four regional league sides hoping to prove that the romance of the cup is still alive. Hat Yai will be serious underdogs at Muangthong and it's tough to see an upset at the Thunderdome. Trat, third in the Central East league, will also be a major outsider for their trip to Army although the White Elephants showed great fighting spirit last Sunday as goals in the 92nd and 94th minutes seized a 2-2 draw against promotion rivals, Ang Thong. 

The more likely upsets could come at Ayutthaya and Rayong United. With bigger fish to fry, Krabi may well field a weakened team as they travel to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. The Energy's last encounter with a regional league side didn't go to plan as they were eliminated from the Toyota League Cup by Customs United. TPL's Thai Port head to Rayong where they'll most likely receive a hot reception both on and off the park. The passionate fans of Rayong have only seen one loss at home this season and the Wild Horses will be quietly confident of taming the Port Lions.

In total there are five all TPL clashes so we'll be saying cheerio to at least five of the big boys. BBCU could well be another top division side eliminated as they host Ratchaburi at the Rajamangala.

From the ties on the 15th August, TTM's home match with Korat has banana skin written all over it while Esan United won't be savoring their trip to PTT Rayong.

(August 15)
PTT Rayong v Isan Utd
TTM v Korat
Songkla v Bangkok Utd
Samut Songkhram v Raj Pracha