Buriram face crucial clash against Japan's Vegalta Sendai
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Buriram United are hoping to tighten their grip on a qualifying spot when they entertain Japan's J-League outfit Vegalta Sendai in their Group E clash of the AFC Champions League at the I-Mobile stadium tonight.
The Thai FA Cup winners considerably revived their hopes of qualification for the knockout stage of the continent’s elite club competition following a 2-0 victory at home to China’s Jiangsu Sainty a fortnight ago, which catapulted them from bottom to second spot in the section.
A win against the Japanese, who are level on five points with them but in third place due to inferior goal difference, would significantly boost Buriram’s hopes of securing one of two qualifying spots for the first time.
However, the home success over the Chinese, the first win of their second campaign in the lucrative tournament, came at a price, as Buriram lost Swiss-born midfielder Charyl Chappuis to a knee injury that has ruled him out of action for up to three months. On the plus side, they have right-back Suree Sukha and midfielder Anawin Jujeen back from suspensions for the visit of the J-League runners-up.
Buriram coach Atthaphol Puspakom believes his charges have what it takes to record successive wins against the Japanese, against whom they drew 1-1 in Sendai in the opening week of the group stage in February.
“We’ve faced them [Vegalta Sendai] twice before and never suffered a defeat. It clearly shows that we’re not inferior to them. We’re at home so I’m confident we can beat them this time. But I have told the players not to be overconfident, and to stay fully focused on the game,” said the former national player, whose side exited the competition at the group stage in their debut campaign last year.
Buriram president Newin Chidchob echoed Atthaphol’s sentiments.
“It’s a crucial match for both teams. Whichever side wins the game tomorrow will be almost certain of securing one of the qualification spots. We’ll try to get maximum points from them.”
Thai Premier League champions Muang Thong United, the other Thai representatives in the competition, will visit Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, second in Group F, tomorrow.
