Football Season Guide

Earned promotion from Thai League Two via the play-offs last season, defeating Nongbua Pitchaya 5-4 on penalties after drawing 3-3 on aggregate. They didn't really score enough goals to earn promotion but their dogged perseverance and their togetherness made the difference. One of their advantages will be at home as they're not situated remotely close to any other team in the division, meaning a long away trip beckons for visiting teams. However, the same can be said when they themselves are the away team so it's not without negatives. Will have to play at the Tin Suan Nonthaburi Stadium in Songkhla for at least the first-half of the campaign though - the Pattani Provincial Administration Organization stadium is being renovated. It could be a problem as home form is integral for teams that intend on avoiding relegation. They're going to have to rely on their personnel to give them a strong start to the season. They're going to have to overcome the departure of Naruephon Proomimas in midfield but it's not a huge deal, to be fair. It was more important to this team that their core personnel, namely Carlos Neto, Marlon Silva, and Ekkachai Samre stayed - and they did. If they're going to avoid an immediate relegation, then they're going to need their trio at their absolute best. Too many of their goals last season came from defence though, which isn't guaranteed to be repeated this season. Therefore, they had to add the likes of Ignacio Abeledo, Igor Neves and Jean-Pierre da Sylva to ensure Carlos Neto had adequate support. Whilst they've done a good job on their attacking recruitment drive, their defence looks neglected. Theppawong was a good signing, and Buran can do a good job, but in general opposing teams won't struggle to score against them unless Rodolfo turns out to be amazing, which isn't likely. They got away with that in Thai League Two - it's not likely they'll be as lucky here. Although strong mentally, this team looks like it'll be quite slow this season, especially in central areas. As they're not good enough tactically to nullify their opponents in general, that places their ability to survive the drop in question. They might be able to, given their acquisitions in attack, but it's likely to be tight.