The result of the clash between Buriram United and Port could lead to a change of hands at the top of the Thai League 1 table on Sunday.
While the Thunder Castle, who lag two points behind leaders Port, will be gunning for a return to the top at Port's PAT Stadium, former champions SCG Muang Thong United will be hoping that their new coach Alexandre Gama can kickstart a recovery for the fallen giants at Chonburi.
However, Buriram coach Bozidar Bandovic insists that the result of Port game will not have much of an impact on the eventual outcome in the race to this year's league crown.
"Of course, this is an important game for both teams and it will be a difficult game for us especially because it is never easy to play at PAT Stadium," said Bandovic.
"We are not underestimating the opponents at all because we know they are a strong team and the current leaders.
"But we have done our homework and are looking forward to the game. We will have to fight hard.
"While it is an important game, it is not the match to decide the champions. Whatever the result, it will have little bearing on who wins the title at the end of the season. There is still a long way to go.
"We have to put in our best and get three points from every match."
Buriram are high on confidence after 5-0 hammering of PTT Rayong on Wednesday with Sasalak Haiprakhon, Pedro Junior, Andres Tunez (two) and Suphanat Mueanta providing the goals.
Port coach Jadet Meelarp said: "This is one of the most important home games for us this season.
"Buriram are obviously in a confident mood after their big win on Wednesday, but we are also keen to win this home match."
Meanwhile, Gama will take charge of the Kirins' dugout for the first time on Sunday at Chonburi, attempting to pull Muang Thong out of the three-team relegation zone.
Gama is one of the most successful coaches in Thailand, winning many titles with defending league champions Buriram and Chiang Rai United. Muang Thong are in 15th place with only 11 points.
Hosts Chonburi are also under a new coach, Sasom Pobprasert.
Sasom said: "My job is to ensure that every player contributes his 100 percent in every game.
"We still have two matches to play before the end of the first leg and these will dictate the direction we will take in the second leg.
"It will be a tough game with Muang Thong -- a battle between two new coaches."
In today's matches, PT Prachuap host Chiang Rai United and Samut Prakan hope to cement their third place with a win at Suphanburi.
