Our latest season preview comes courtesy of Chiang Rai Utd fan, Alec Peeples.
I think this is a big season for Chiang Rai. We shocked the league by winning the title and since then have failed to establish ourselves in any definitive way. Our pragmatic style of football isn't quite as fun when we aren't challenging for the top of the league and I don't think it necessarily fits the strengths of our current batch of players.
That said, aside from the loss to Suphanburi, we ended last season on a great run of form. We won the FA cup and we had a decent showing in the ACL. I think we have a strong squad despite the lack of reinforcements and I fully expect us to have our sights on another cup trophy and remain in the title conversation.
How do you think the lack of a regular pre season will affect your early performances?
I'm sure there will be some lack of real match fitness but given that other teams will face the same issue I don't think this will have too much of an impact. I've seen a bit of training and scrimmaging and the team looks sharp.
What are your thoughts on the plan for the way the season will start?
I am shocked that we will be starting in September. I was firmly in the 2022 camp. I applaud the FA for getting the plan together and sticking to it. And I’m even more surprised that (it seems) fans will be allowed in some provinces. Couldn’t ask for much more than that.
How long do you think it will be before things can return to "normal"?
If by normal you mean unrestricted travel (for away days) and full stadiums… I think it will be some time still. Perhaps mid to late 2022. The idea of a ‘vaccine passport’ seems to be catching on in Thailand, which means there is the potential for big crowds in the near(ish) future, but the country still lacks mass vaccination, especially in the provinces. So until we see Thailand really step up the vaccine numbers I don’t expect large crowds or many traveling away fans.
What are your thoughts on your team's opening four fixtures?
We have Samut Prakan, Korat, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap - all at home. I think these are all winnable fixtures and from what I understand we'll be allowed a limited crowd. I'm very optimistic about the start of the season!
Once we're allowed back in, which home games are you most looking forward to?
The opening match against Samut Prakan will be great (assuming the rumours of limited fans hold true). I haven’t seen a live match since last season’s FA Cup semi final - in hindsight that wasn’t that long ago but it feels like ages. I’m just excited to get back into Singha Stadium and cheer the team on. And of course there are always the big matches to get excited for - Buriram, Port, etc.
And which away games are you most looking forward to?
Definitely Khon Kaen Utd - I love the city but haven’t visited in a couple years.
How do you plan to follow the matches you're not allowed to attend?
I have my fingers crossed that AIS Play will put out a good product.
What do you make of your new signings?
I think we signed a few squad players. I honestly don't know much about them but I don't expect them to be much more than fringe players.
And what about the players you've let go?
We lost Chaiyawat which I would say is a big loss. He was young and always exciting in attack (and liable for a yellow card in defense). We'll feel the loss - especially with our lack of reinforcements in attack - but I wish him the best at Samut Prakan.
Which players will have the most impact this season?
Phitiwat earned a lot of plaudits for his performance with the NT recently. He was one of the best midfielders in the league last year but flew under most people’s radar. I expect him to have a statement season and really breakthrough into that upper echelon of Thai players.
Ekanit spent much of the past season injured or recovering from injury and was unable to really get a good run of form going. He seems to have turned a corner and I think he will finally return to the form of our championship season when he was hailed as one of the best young Thai talents.
If you could re-sign one of your club's former players, at the peak of his powers, who would it be?
Leandro Assumpção. Admittedly he was before my time following Chiang Rai, but from what I have heard and what I’ve seen in the later stages of his career I think his prime was very high-level and he would add a lot of excitement and ruthlessness to our attack.
If you could give your head coach one piece of advice, what would it be?
I'd like to see the attack more linked up with the midfield. We have pace and creativity in attack, and our midfield is great on the ball. But it feels that there is never a great connection. Beyond that... I wish your hands weren't tied with lineups and substitutions.
What do you think of your club's new kits?
They are bright and unique - that’s what I like in a kit. I’ll always welcome a ‘loud’ design that may miss the mark a bit over a boring rehash of the same shirt year after year. Chiang Rai does merchandise well so we are never spoiled for choice - official shirt, ACL shirt, fan club shirts, there is something for everyone.
What song would you choose for your team's run out music on match days?
Rebel Without A Pause - Public Enemy
Who are your favourites to win the league?
BGPU. Not much to add as I think most fans are in agreement here.
Who else do you think can challenge?
Buriram made some good moves in the offseason, but of course that will depend on how well the pieces fit together. Really when we talk about the “second tier” of teams (i.e. every team that isn’t BGPU), I think just about every club stands an equal chance. Buriram, Port, Chiangrai, so on.
Who is going down?
Suphanburi has floated around at the bottom for too long and I expect they will finally run out of luck. As much as I want to cheer for Khon Kaen Utd I think they will find life in T1 difficult. As for the third, I think there are a few contenders - Chiang Mai, Nongbua, perhaps even Prachuap.
Which team would you most like to beat this season?
Always nice to beat any of the big teams, but I always relish beating Port above all else..
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Nothing other than I’m excited for the return of football. Been a rough few months for everyone and the distraction is welcome.
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