As we approach the end of an intriguing 2011 for the TPL, we have to take our hats off to Buriram PEA. Sure they’ve got the financial clout and the amazing stadium but they’ve also managed to be incredibly impressive on the pitch and were officially crowned champions last weekend after beating Army United 3-1. That victory meant their fans could really celebrate when the Thunder Dome returned home with the trophy midweek, beating BEC Tero 1-0 in the process. And it really has been a procession for Buriram, who have simply looked in a different league to the other teams. Even more impressive when you consider that they could still do the triple as they take on Thai Port in the final of the League Cup (Feb 4) and are still in the FA Cup as well.
With Buriram FC wrapping up the division one title last weekend as well, it was certainly a good week for Newin Chidchob. These successes and PEA’s supremacy will be particularly galling for Muangthong United who, until this season, have been the dominant team in Thai football. It’s been a turbulent season for the Kirins but at least they still have qualification for the Asian Champions League to aim for. They currently sit in third, four points behind Chonburi but do have two games in hand on their closest rivals; you would assume that second is the only permutation that will see Robbie Fowler still at the club as coach next season.
Down the bottom there’s still all to play for with at least five teams, including TOT, currently fighting for the premier league survival. TOT currently sit in the relegation zone after losing last Saturday against fellow strugglers TTM Pichit, still, it’s not a completely hopeless case. They do have games in hand on teams above them, most notably Siam Navy who have played two more matches but are only 3 points ahead of the Phoenixes.
The only other Bangkok side who could get sucked into the relegation dogfight are Army United but you would imagine they already have enough points on the board to be safe. They’ve also still got the FA Cup to look forward to and that competition starts in earnest again in the New Year, with the quarter finals taking place on Jan 4. The Soldiers will certainly fancy their chances against lower division team Chai Nat and a win would see them face either PEA or BEC in the semi-finals. Muangthong, the only other Bangkok club still in the cup will be desperate for some silverware as they take on Sri Racha.
It’s really a case of finishing out the season for the likes of Bangkok Glass, Police and Thai Port who have little to play for but pride. That pride will start this weekend, with a full schedule of fixtures over the Christmas period. On Saturday (Christmas Eve) Thai Port are at home to Police United (4pm) while Bangkok Glass look to hold onto fourth spot with a home win over strugglers Khon Kaen (6pm). Army United head down to Pattaya United knowing a result could see them safe for another year.
On Sunday, TOT are at home to Chiangrai United (6pm) in the first of four must win games. Muangthong welcome Chonburi (6pm) in a match that will surely decide second spot, while BEC Tero Sasana are away to Osotspa.
With the holiday season now upon us the TPL Blog will be taking a little holiday of its own over the Christmas period. We’ll be back in the New Year with more on the relegation struggle and the results of the FA Cup quarter finals. In the meantime, thanks for following us in 2011, have a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.