All matches start at 6pm on Saturday unless otherwise stated.
We might be wishing you all a New Year but we’re still stuck in the 2011 season thanks to some pretty shoddy organization by the TPL and FAT. The schedule back log means there are TPL and FA Cup semi-final matches this weekend, all taking place on Saturday.
Bangkok Glass host Sisaket in the Glass Rabbits final game of the season (but the season doesn’t end tomorrow; some teams still have three games to play. Don’t ask.). A win for the men from Pathum Thani will guarantee a fourth place finish. Overall it has been a slightly disappointing campaign for the Rabbits who will finish at least 13 points below second-placed Chonburi. A more important game takes place at the TOT Stadium in Lak Si. TOT are two points from safety but at least do still have three games to play. And they’ll fancy their chances against a Police United side now firmly ensconced in mid-table security. Thai Port are away at already relegated Khon Kaen in what is the final game of the season for both teams. Port could go as high as sixth if they can win. Elsewhere, Osotspa-Saraburi host TTM Phichit in a dead rubber.
FA Cup Semi-Final Day
Outside the TPL its FA Cup semi-final day on Saturday with both games being played at neutral venues in the capital. Songkhla of Division 1 play Muangthong United at the Thephasadin Stadium (BEC Tero’s home ground at National Stadium). It’s the Nonthaburi side’s last chance of silverware in 2011 (you know what I mean; it should be 2011) so they’ll be desperate for a win. They finally seem to have found a bit of form after knocking four past Sriracha on Wednesday in the quarter final (yes, the quarters were only played a couple of days ago. Again, don’t ask). In the other tie, Army United play TPL champions Buriram PEA at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Hua Mak, Bang Kapi. It would be difficult to fancy Army’s chances on a good day, but the Soldiers go into the tie having played 120 minutes of football in their quarter-final against Chainat on Thursday – just 48 hours before they have to face the best team in the country. Upsets happen in the cup, but it’s difficult to look beyond a Muangthong v PEA final, which we guess will be a good thing. The final, by the way, will be played next Wednesday (11th) at Suphachalasai.
Bye Bye Phuket?
There’s also action taking place in Division 1 this weekend. Bangkok FC are away at FC Phuket. The only notable thing about the match is that it’s likely to be Phuket’s last ever home game. The local government is withdrawing funding meaning that the club will either collapse altogether or reform in the Regional League unless a big-money backer can be found soon. Samut Prakan Customs are one point from safety with two games to be played so will be looking for the three points away at PTT Rayong – a tall order. Bangkok United are away at Rajpracha in a mid-table tussle (3:30pm Mahidol University). And Air Force United – just about safe from relegation now – are at ‘home’ to Saraburi (3:30pm). The match will be played at Ramkamhaeng University as the Thupatemi Stadium in Pathum Thani is still unusable.