Thailand champions Buriram United face a tough test Tuesday night when they host Chinese club Shanghai Port in an AFC Champions League Elite encounter.
Buriram are reeling from two consecutive away defeats, while Shanghai Port are also in desperate need of points after managing a single draw from their earlier games.
The Thunder Castle kicked off their campaign with a victory over Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim but then came unstuck against the South Korea’s FC Seoul and Melbourne City FC of Australia, losing 3-0 and 2-1 respectively.
Buriram, quarter-finalists last season, will be desperate to get back on the winning trail but have a poor record against sides from China, having won only one of their last eight matches.
Shanghai Port ended their third match firmly rooted at the bottom of the East Zone standings and their struggles have come as a surprise, given their strong form in the Chinese Super League.
A major reason for their troubles is a lack of sharpness in the final third, having managed only 20 shots in their previous three matches and know that unless they improve, elimination will beckon.
The match will kick off at 7.15pm on Tuesday.
Winning start for Ishii
Masatada Ishii made a winning start to life at BG Pathum United, guiding the Rabbits to a 2-1 comeback victory over Chonburi FC on Sunday night.
The Japanese coach, controversially dismissed by the Football Association of Thailand on Oct 21, saw his new side overturn a first-half deficit to claim three valuable points in Thai League 1.
The Sharks struck first in the 29th minute when Jonathan Bolingi powered home to give the hosts a deserved lead.
But Ishii’s half-time adjustments paid dividends, with Tomoyuki Doi emerging as the match-winner.
The forward equalised in the 53rd minute before completing the turnaround ten minutes later with a composed finish that silenced the home crowd.
Elsewhere, Bangkok United endured a frustrating evening as they fell 2-1 at home to Uthai Thani despite playing with spirit after being reduced to ten men.
The Angels looked on course for victory when Seiya Kunori struck in the 43rd minute, moments after teammate Mohsen Al Gassani was sent off following a VAR review.
Uthai Thani, however, capitalised on their numerical advantage in the second half. Bruno Cunha equalised in the 51st minute before heading home the decisive goal from a corner in the 83rd, giving Uthai Thani their first win of the season.
Elsewhere, Lamphun lost to Port 2-0 at home and hosts Muang Thong United fell 4-1 to PT Prachuap.