Muangthong expect tough battle in Shanghai

Muangthong, who made their bow in the continent’s premier club competition three years ago, go up against Chinese Super League’s bigspending club bristling with top talents such as former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan after they scraped past Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim with the penalty shootout victory in the preliminary playoff round.     

The TPL outfit’s task was further complicated by the conditions in Shanghai, with the temperature dropping into single digits. National midfielder Sarach Yooyen admitted the weather could play a factor in the fixture at Shanghai Stadium.  

“Now, things started falling into places. Every player wants to play to the best of their ability against Shanghai SIPG. The weather does have an effect on us because we’re not familiar with this condition. Nevertheless, we’re ready to give everything and hopefully we would get the result we are looking for,” said the 23-year-old Sarach.   

Despite facing a Shanghai side coached by former England manager SvenGoran Eriksson, who bolstered their ranks with the capture of prolific Brazilian striker Elkeson from ACL holders and league rivals Guangzhou Evergrande, Muangthong coach Totchtawan Sripan was in bullish mood.

“What we’re trying to do now is to adjust to the cooler conditions. Generally, the team is in rude health with no injury concerns aside from Piyaphon [Phanitchakun] who sustained a minor knock to his ankle,” said the former national midfielder, who has been in the job for less than a month.

Meanwhile, Chonburi FC, the other TPL representatives, also have to contend with the cool temperatures as they visit JLeague side FC Tokyo in today’s other playoff fixture. TPL champions Buriram United qualified automatically for the lucrative group stage.     

Fox Sports HD will televise the Shanghai v Muangthong match from 6.30pm.