Crystal Balls 2019: Buriram Utd

Our series of pre-season previews continues with a look at defending champions Buriram Utd. Will they romp to another title, or will they be hampered by the departure of star player Diogo and rapidly improving rivals like Bangkok Utd and Port? Here’s Buriram fan Jamie Pinder with his thoughts…

How did your team perform in 2018? Where do they need to improve?

Top of the pile. They need to strengthen again to keep moving forward. It would be nice to go a stage further in the Champions’ League.

Transfer window – which new signings are you most excited about? Which departing players are you sorry to see go/happy to see the back of?

Of course, we’re all sad to see Diogo depart. Excited to see Hajime Hosogai and Modibo Maïga and any other new recruits. Looking forward to seeing how Osvaldo manages without Diogo. I believe he’s a better player, all round.

Happy with your club’s coach?

Always.

What are your realistic ambitions for the 2019 season?

A realistic ambition is to retain the title but I think it could be a real battle this year.

Which teams will be in contention for the title? Which teams will struggle to survive?

I still see a 2 horse race between Buriram United and Bangkok United.

Tell us your very favourite, and your absolute least favourite, things about following your club

Favorite is the fabulous traveling support we have for every game. Least favorite is lack of social media and marketing. We could do so much better.

Tim Russell

The founder and editor of The Sandpit, Tim has been in SE Asia since 2003 and in Bangkok since 2012, where he runs a travel tech business. Tim has followed Port FC since 2014, and is also a fan of his hometown club Coventry City, and French club AS St-Etienne. He has written for the likes of Football365, ITV.com, NME and The Quietus, and is a regular contributor to God Is In the TV. He's a keen photographer and his work can be seen on his website.

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