On August 19 at 20:00, the second round of the Thai League, Port FC will host the veteran powerhouse Chiangrai United at PAT Stadium.
Port FC, in the opening match of the Thai League last week, defeated the promoted Rayong 3-1 as visitors. The team was mostly trailing by one goal throughout the match, but after the young international Thirathorn Bunmathan came off the bench, the situation changed. Thirathorn, who scored 15 goals in just 22 league matches last season, netted twice in only four minutes. Assists were provided by national team players Bodin and Pakorn, who play on the wings.
In last season’s Thai League, the strong Port FC finished third with 16 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, successfully securing qualification for the AFC Champions League secondary league. This is acceptable for the local coach Rangsan, who has been in charge for less than a year. However, after the end of last season, Port FC lost their most important attacker, the 34-year-old Brazilian foreigner Tardelli (15 goals, 9 assists). Currently, Port FC is using former Buriram United’s foreigner Dramane Dakonam and last season’s Bangkok United main striker Willian Mota (20 goals, 6 assists) as replacements, but the two did not seem to work well together in the opening match.
In terms of squad, it is unlikely that another Brazilian foreigner striker Amorim and new midfield signing Bila Tong of Port FC will be able to play in this round, as neither made the roster for the first round. However, Isaac Honey, a former Police Tero player recruited by Port FC’s coach during the off-season, came off the bench in the previous round. This 31-year-old Ghanaian central defender possesses decent set-piece offensive ability and is considered a cost-effective foreign player in the Thai League.
The visiting Chiangrai United finished only tenth in the Thai League last season with 8 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses, just 4 points above the relegation zone. The team’s main problem was its lack of offensive firepower (barely averaging over 1 goal per game). However, in the first round of the season, Chiangrai United defeated mid-table Korat United 2-0 at home thanks to goals from two young players, Chinnavat and Thanawat, suggesting that the youth storm tactics of newly appointed Spanish coach Xavi Moro are showing promise.
In the transfer window during the off-season, Chiangrai United signed young front-line players such as Brazilian foreigner Carlos Yuri, Chinese center-forward Guo Tianyu, and Thai-Swiss mixed-race attacker Chitchanok. The club aims to build a vibrant youth team despite financial constraints. However, this week, Chiangrai United’s U23 team officially announced its withdrawal from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand-sponsored Thai U23 League, citing excessive expenses and inability to cover away travel costs for the U23 team.
In terms of squad, Chiangrai United is likely to include Guo Tianyu in the squad for this match. The player’s registration has been completed, and he appeared in the pre-match training session against Port FC. However, it is uncertain whether the two Korean foreigners, Lee Jung-min and Lee Ki-jun, will be available. New signing Brazilian midfielder Ralph played the full 90 minutes in the first round and performed well.
In the past 20 encounters between the two teams, Port FC has a slight advantage with 8 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses. The focus of this match for Chinese fans will be Chiangrai United’s forward Guo Tianyu, wearing number 18. Can this hopeful star, who overcame many difficulties to play abroad, contribute to his new club? Let’s wait and see!
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