TPL 2016 My Thoughts.

Will anyone be able to challenge current champions Buriram United? I think not, they seem to be accelerating away, with some astute signings bolstering their squad. I feel that we need to watch out for Bangkok united. They have added to an already successful squad and seem keen to challenge at the top. Muang Thong belatedly raised the bar with the signing of the “Tero trio” however given Tero’s performances last year there is no guarantee that these signings will make much difference.

Other interesting questions to be asked are; how will the much modified Chonburi Sharks fare – will they maintain their top 5 status?  Can Nahkon Ratchasima build on last year’s successes and how will the promoted teams cope.

My tips for first, second and third;

1.Buriram United

2.Bangkok United

3.Muang Thong United

At the other end of the table, one remembers that last year’s 3 promoted teams all survived – due I feel to the rather poor standard of the TPL last year. The relegation battle this year will, in my opinion, involve Navy, Super Power Samut Prakan and perhaps the three promoted teams will struggle.

Many teams seem to have tried to progress with most bolstering their squads with new foreign imports. I suspect that this season will produce a real “slugfest” with “Battles Royal” in the struggle for top five and the fight against relegation.

Whatever happens, I hope that after the trials and tribulations of the close season, the TPL enjoys a successful year with competitive matches watched by bumper crowds. I fear however that many fans will have viewed the actions of the TPL board with disdain and will turn their backs on the domestic game in Thailand.

Swatcats - Prospects 2016.

The team has swelled its squad and has seemingly decided to completely change its attacking options with the addition of Prompong and Marco Tagbajumi . The imminent departures of Tuck and Adiyeah (TBC) are regrettable but in truth our goal tally last year was poor.

Our new signing Marco Tagbajumi looked pretty useful in the recent friendly against Ubon – he is a big bustling target man and just what we missed last season.

 I expect that Noah Chivuta will continue to be the powerhouse in the middle and if the defence, which had a pretty good record last season, can continue to perform well, I feel that an attempt to break into the top 5 may be an achievable if optimistic target.

In midfield, Bjorn Lindemann has undoubted talent and I hope that he is played just behind the strikers where his guile and ability to shoot from long range can be realized.

The team’s home record is an enviable one and if the fans keep coming (as I expect them to) this record will continue and if we can pick up more points away from home, our league position could replicate or better our commendable 8^th place of last season.

Whilst acknowledging that last year’s fantastic achievement of finishing in 8^th place will be difficult to better, to move further up the table should be a target. Personally and in reality, a mid table position would be acceptable – we have to remember where we have come from in the last couple of years.

It is absolutely vital that the team cements its permanent place in the top tier.