Chonburi vs Uthai Thani on February 13
The upcoming clash between Chonburi and Uthai Thani in the Thai Premier League on February 13 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with both teams eager to make a statement as the season enters its decisive phase. The match will take place at Chonburi Stadium, where the home side will look to consolidate their top-half position, while Uthai Thani, hovering just above the relegation zone, must seize every opportunity to move clear of danger. The weather in Chonburi is expected to be warm, which may affect the pace of play as the teams will need to manage their energy levels throughout the match.
Chonburi: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Chonburi has been in solid form recently, securing 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches. Their tactical setup revolves around a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on fluid possession play and quick transitions through the middle. The team’s strength lies in their ability to control the midfield, with their two central midfielders acting as both ball winners and distributors. In recent weeks, Chonburi's average possession in the final third has increased to 60%, reflecting their dominance in advanced areas. Their pressing game has also been effective, ranking in the top 3 for pressing actions per 90 minutes in the league.
Key to Chonburi’s success is their influential playmaker, midfielder Sergio Suarez, who has provided a steady supply of assists and is crucial in dictating the tempo. His vision and passing accuracy in the final third are among the highest in the league. The front line, spearheaded by top scorer Frank Acheampong, is built for pace and direct attacking play, making them a constant threat on counter-attacks. However, Chonburi has struggled defensively at times, conceding 8 goals in their last 5 matches, which could be a point of vulnerability, especially against a team that plays on the counter.
In terms of injuries, Chonburi will be without their starting right-back, Varitorn Phadungchok, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. This could disrupt their attacking rhythm on the right flank, where Phadungchok is usually a key outlet for crosses and long passes. The absence of Phadungchok may lead to some reshuffling in defense, potentially making them more susceptible to crosses into the box.
Uthai Thani: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Uthai Thani has had a mixed bag of results in their last 5 matches, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. The team has generally lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a focus on compact defending and direct balls to their forwards. Uthai Thani tends to absorb pressure, sitting deep in a mid-block and looking for opportunities to hit on the break. Their game is heavily reliant on the physicality and pace of their wingers and strikers, who are often tasked with making direct runs into space.
Statistically, Uthai Thani has one of the lowest possession percentages in the league, averaging just 42% of the ball over their last 5 matches. However, they have made the most of their opportunities, with a respectable xG (expected goals) of 1.2 per game, showing that they are efficient when they do have possession. Their counter-attacking style could be dangerous against a high-pressing team like Chonburi, who leaves space open at the back when they overcommit.
Uthai Thani’s key player is their striker, Pedro José, who has been in superb form, scoring 4 goals in his last 5 appearances. His hold-up play and link-up with attacking midfielder Napat Sombat are critical to Uthai Thani’s offensive threat. However, the team will miss their first-choice goalkeeper, Kittisak Senarat, who is suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. His absence could lead to a more vulnerable defensive setup, with backup goalkeeper Adisorn Bupha tasked with keeping the Chonburi attackers at bay.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last 5 encounters between these two sides have been closely contested, with Chonburi winning 3 times, Uthai Thani securing 1 victory, and 1 match ending in a draw. Interestingly, the games have been tight, often decided by a single goal, with the most recent match in October 2025 ending in a 2-1 win for Chonburi. Historically, Chonburi has dominated at home, winning 6 of the last 7 meetings in Chonburi Stadium. However, Uthai Thani will be looking to break that trend and make a statement against the higher-ranked opposition.
One persistent trend in these matchups is Uthai Thani’s ability to frustrate Chonburi’s attacking rhythm. They’ve managed to defend resolutely and counter effectively, scoring on the break in key moments. Chonburi, for their part, has shown a tendency to struggle against teams that sit deep and force them to break through a packed defensive block. This match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between Chonburi’s possession-heavy style and Uthai Thani’s counter-attacking threat.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle in this match will undoubtedly be in midfield. Chonburi’s midfield trio, led by Sergio Suarez, will look to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Uthai Thani will look to disrupt this rhythm, with their midfield duo tasked with closing down spaces and forcing turnovers. A pivotal duel will be between Chonburi’s central midfielder, Xisco, and Uthai Thani’s defensive midfielder, Phongsakorn Saenphet, who will need to battle for dominance in the center of the pitch. If Chonburi can establish control here, they will dictate the game, but if Uthai Thani can stifle their buildup and regain possession quickly, they will be dangerous on the break.
Another key area will be on the flanks, where both teams have potent wingers. Chonburi’s left-winger, Akarawin Lekkla, has been in excellent form, providing both goals and assists. Uthai Thani’s full-backs, particularly Pornthep Sittiwong, will have to track Lekkla’s runs tightly and prevent him from cutting inside and delivering dangerous crosses. Conversely, Uthai Thani’s winger, Apisit Kraikaew, will look to exploit any space left by Chonburi’s high defensive line, especially on the counter-attack. The battle for space on the flanks will likely have a huge bearing on the outcome.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting tactical approaches of the two teams, this match is likely to be a cagey affair early on. Chonburi will try to assert themselves by dominating possession and pressing Uthai Thani high up the pitch, while Uthai Thani will look to absorb pressure and strike quickly on the counter. Chonburi’s ability to break down deep defensive blocks will be tested, and their vulnerability to counter-attacks could come back to haunt them.
Expect Chonburi to have the lion’s share of possession, likely hovering around 60-65%, but Uthai Thani will have opportunities to exploit gaps in the Chonburi defense. The key to this match will be whether Uthai Thani can contain Chonburi’s attacking threat and create enough chances on the counter. With Chonburi’s attacking potency, they should emerge as favorites, but Uthai Thani’s direct play could make this a much tighter contest than expected.
Prediction: Chonburi 2-1 Uthai Thani. Chonburi will edge out a hard-fought victory, with Uthai Thani’s counter-attacks making it a nervy affair. Chonburi to dominate possession, but Uthai Thani to score at least once on the break. Both teams to score: Yes.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer a crucial question: Can Chonburi continue their title challenge by overcoming the resilient defensive tactics of Uthai Thani, or will Uthai Thani’s counter-attacking threat pull off an upset? The result will have significant implications for both teams, and with both sides needing points for vastly different reasons, expect an intense, closely contested battle.
