FC Phuket face JW Rangsit FC today

PHUKET: Having defeated JW Rangsit in the Thai Premier League (TPL) Division One earlier this season at Surakul Stadium, a second victory for FC Phuket over their Pathum Thani rivals is expected today.

However, it is an away fixture, and Phuket’s miserable away record continues to weigh on the minds of players, management, the media and faithful supporters.

A commanding performance and goals from Niran Funtong, Nene Bi Tre Sylvestre and Sarach Yooyen sealed a second league Division One home win for Phuket on March 19 with a 3-1 score line.

Glued to 9th place on the league table, Phuket have 25 points while JW Rangsit lags two places behind on 20 points.

Despite their much lamented form, this is Phuket’s best opportunity thus far to secure three points away from home and an opportunity for players to address the “attitude adjustment” called for by coach Sompong Wattana earlier this week.

A win would lift Phuket’s league confidence, but even with the unlikely occurrence of some upsets – namely 14th placed Bangkok FC defeating 8th placed Saraburi and/or 7th placed Rajapracha FC beating 2nd placed BBCU – Phuket will retain their mid-table ownership.

Air Force United (AFUTD) are in 10th place, only one point behind Phuket and respective win/loss results would see Phuket exchange positions with AFUTD.

A Phuket win is not only crucial for their league ambitions, but with their Toyota League cup quarter final against Pattalung FC on the horizon, complacency must be eliminated if they are to progress, and progress they should to a semi final place against either Chiang Mai or Thai Port from the TPL.

Today’s game is scheduled for a 4pm kickoff at Rangsit University Stadium.

— Neil Quail