The Chang FA Cup entering into the quarterfinals is sure to bring a whole lot of action as Nakhon Ratchasima walks into battle with BG Pathum United in what seems to be a must-see live match. The 19:00 hours kick-off time for viewers across Thailand heralds the breaking of which side will stand victoriously strong for prestigious domestic glory.
Road by the Quarter
Behind all the thrills in the FA Cup campaign so far, they got to Nakhon Ratchasima, which is popularly referred to as “Swat Cats.” The Swat Cats made their adventures towards the reality of reaching the quarterfinals with more fights and tight outcomes. They went all the way to the previous round before edging their way past Suphanburi FC by a dramatic penalty shootout that kept the supporters munching their fingernails.
In fact, BG Pathum United, one of the big boys of Thai League 1, defeated easy prey to qualify for a quarterfinal against a far more highly-rated rival, known for its very strong midfield play and tactical discipline, before striving to control the ball and gain an early fast pace.
New Team and Lineup News
Nakhon Ratchasima arrived at the match tonight nearly with a complete squad. Head coach Teerasak Po-on is unveiling a 4-3-3 formation in which Amadou Ouattara leads the line. Middleman Dennis Murillo along with defender Chalermpong Kerdkaew should prove critical if they are to contain BG’s attack.
But most importantly, there will also be Teerasil Dangda, the star striker of BG Pathum, and the creative playmaker Sarach Yooyen. If one considers past competition-naive encounters between teams with senior as well as junior players, it should not be very surprising if the fans witness a balanced encounter.
What’s at Stake?
More than just a semifinal berth, winning tonight for Nakhon Ratchasima means a step further upward in their progress in Thai football and would mark a statement of intent to the elite. It is also among the few remaining realistic hopes for silverware, particularly for a club outside of perennial contention for the title.
Also, the victory possibly brings some relief to Swat Cats whose league run has hit many bumps. With the threat of relegation imminent, the Cup not only brings distraction but the chance at glory.
Historical Head-to-Head
The last five clashes of these two clubs have seen BG Pathum United indisputably being heavily favored, winning four of the encounters, with Nakhon Ratchasima manages to draw only in a difficult way earlier this season in Thai League, displaying their newfound resilience along with tactical discipline.
Teerasak says the team is more ready to deal with BG’s striking power: “We’ve really studied their game. Our players are confident; playing at home is an added plus.”
Fan Excitement and Broadcast Details
There is excitement in Nakhon Ratchasima, where fans pack into local pubs and into their homes to catch the live stream. The match is being streamed live on the club’s official Facebook and YouTube channels for free, ensuring no one misses this all-important battle.
Local authorities have opened fan zones across the city to solve the overflow of interest. With community backing at a high, tonight will see the Swat Cats feeling the absolute weight of home advantage.
Prediction
In an organizational way of things, BG Pathum will seem strong, but the spirit of fight in Nakhon Ratchasima supported by local fans could spell a different story. In the event they manage to hold their formation in defense and be able to exploit the counter-attacks, an upset can be expected from them.
