There is no time to rest for the 16 Thai League 1 sides, as they are back in action in midweek for a full round of matches.

Big Test for Injury-Hit BG

BG Pathum United have played both of their last two Thai League fixtures with an all-Thai and ASEAN side, due to the injury-enforced absences of Andres Tunez, Victor Cardozo and Diogo Luis Santo. Their home wins against Ratchaburi and Khon Kaen are incredibly impressive in context, as is the way players like Irfan Fandi and Chaowat Veerchart have become team leaders.

However, their next task could be considerably tougher. They are up against a Chiangrai United side which most would agree looked somewhat uninspiring until last Friday – when they turned on the style to beat then league leaders Chonburi with a virtuoso performance from veteran striker Bill Rosimar. Confidence will be high in the camp after that victory, as things properly clicked in the final third.

A win for the Rabbits would bring their points total up to 10 from four games – a tally which would have put them at the top of the table if they were played simultaneously with their opponents. Considering the injuries they’ve suffered and their Champions League trip in the interim, it would constitute a very impressive start to the season.

Buriram Weary Ahead of Sea Fang Visit

Samut Prakan’s 3-1 win over Bangkok United on Matchday 3 saw them go level on top with Buriram United, immediately earmarking this fixture as a crucial one to watch as both sides had ‘winnable’ games in the interim. Since then, the Sea Fang were held to a 1-1 draw against Police Tero after resting many key attacking players, before defensive errors undermined them in a 3-1 loss to Chiangmai United.

On the other hand, Buriram suffered defeat at the hands of Bangkok United for the first time since 2014, but bounced back with a win against Prachuap which saw them retake the summit at the weekend. They will be heavy favourites considering recent form, but memories of their defeat in this fixture last season will ensure that the Thunder Castle are cautious of Mastada Ishii’s men.

Another exciting element of this fixture will be Peeradol Chamratsamee. The former Samut Prakan City captain was synonymous with the club, having served them (and their past iteration Pattaya United) since 2015, regularly being the standout performer. This summer, he became Buriram’s biggest local signing in recent memory and has taken to his new surroundings incredibly well. Now at the peak of his powers, the allure of winning titles and playing Champions League football has tempted him to the Chang Arena, but plenty of sentiment remains for his former side.

King Cobras Looking to Bounce Back

After a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Chonburi, Khon Kaen United put up a fairly decent fight against BG Pathum, ultimately losing 2-1. The King Cobras are back at home on Wednesday to host Nakhon Ratchasima, and will be hoping to collect some points this time around.

The side will still be without captain and talisman Douglas Cobo after his sending off against the Sharks, but Ibson Melo remains a dangerous attacking outlet. They outworked Prachuap in their only other victory this season, and coach Carlos Parreira will be hoping his players can repeat that same feat.

However, their opponents are on a high having pulled off a comeback victory against Suphanburi on Sunday. The Swatcats are typically organised in defence and dangerous on the break, but are more adaptable than their hosts and showed their ability to control possession at the weekend. New imports Marco Sahanek and Kwame Karikari are adapting to life in Thailand, and could become a potent strike partnership as the season progresses. A win for either side looks like it could be a big statement.

Elsewhere, Ratchaburi will be hoping to stop the slide in form which has seen them fall into the bottom three with just four points from four games. They are hosted by a Suphanburi side who suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend and will be eager to set things right.

Both Port FC and Chiangmai United picked up hugely significant wins at the weekend, and will be looking to build positive momentum when they clash at the 700th Anniversary Stadium. Thanks to Chiangmai’s last win, Police Tero find themselves at the foot of the table ahead of Chonburi’s visit on Tuesday.

Prachuap’s tough run of games continues with their trip to Bangkok United, while Muangthong open their doors to welcome Nongbua Pitchaya.