The Thai League 1 clash between hosts SCG Muang Thong United and Port tonight will be under the microscope for more than one reason.
Muang Thong United and defending champions Buriram United are the only two teams who have won the league crown since the top flight was revamped in 2009.
While Buriram, who hosted Trat late last night, have already started imposing their might, the Kirins are spotted among the cellar-dwellers in the league.
One of the reasons that Muang Thong will be under the spotlight is that they have acquired the services of former J-League Cup winning coach Yoon Jong-Hwan in the hope of resurrecting their campaign after a nightmarish start.
Former Cerezo Osaka coach Yoon will take charge of the Kirins' dugout for the first time tonight with the match against Port kicking off at 8pm in SCG Stadium.
League officials will also be keeping an eye on the match considering the violent history between the supporters of Muang Thong and Port.
While clashes between the fans of the two clubs have been avoided for some time now, there is always a chance of things getting out of hand on and off the pitch.
Port chairperson Nualphan Lamsam has urged the club's fans not to travel to SCG Stadium tonight.
Chaiyakorn Chomchuen, Muang Thong's assistant manager, said yesterday that Yoon, who has replaced Phairoj Bovornwattanadilok, is expected to make certain changes to the team.
"There may be some changes in some positions because our new coach plans to implement a new style of play and we will see some of it in the game against Port," said Chaiyakorn.
"In the past, we were relying on individuals but now the emphasis will shift to team work and we will not be dependent on one or two players.
"However, our target for the match remains unchanged because we hope to take three points from Port."
Port assistant coach Weerayut bin Abdulrahman admitted that he was not sure what to expect from the Kirins tonight.
"We all know they are a strong team and we respect them. They also have a new coach and we need some time to study their style," Weerayut.
"But I believe we can handle them."
Also tonight, True Bangkok United will be at Chainat, hoping to grab three points and improve their early season record.
Chainat manager Anurut Nakasai is worried his players are rusty after a two-week hiatus caused by their game at Chiangmai being postponed due to haze and the Songkran break.
"We are the underdogs but we will try to win this home game," said Anurut.
Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek said his men are in a "confident frame of mind now".
