Melbourne City are back in AFC Champions League Elite action tonight when they take on Thai Champions Buriram United in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash at AAMI Park.
Aurelio Vidmar’s side are bidding to become the first Australian team to reach the ACL Elite quarter-finals when they face Thailand’s most successful side on Tuesday evening.
Coached by A-Leagues Champion and former Central Coast Mariners treble-winning coach Mark Jackson, Buriram United head to AAMI Park having finished fourth in the league phase of the ACL Elite – one place ahead of Melbourne City.
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Vidmar’s side head into the clash in mixed form when it comes to their domestic campaign in the Isuzu UTE A-League and their results in Asia.
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City qualified for the knockout stages of the competition care of a six-game unbeaten run which saw them win four of their last six matches, including a 2-1 win over Buriram United in Matchday Three of the ACL Elite.
However their league form has been a concern for Vidmar, with City coming into tonight’s clash at AAMI Park off the back of a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of Auckland FC on Saturday.
Furthermore, City are without a win in their last five league matches and have suffered three league defeats since the 16th January, conceding 15 goals during that period.
Meanwhile Buriram head into the clash in imperious form having suffered just one defeat from their last 18 matches in all competitions; a 2-0 home league defeat to Bangkok United on February 1.
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Jackson’s side are currently 11 points clear of second placed Ratchaburi FC at the top of the Thai Premier League, having won four of their last five league matches.
Buriram also head into the clash off the back of a resounding 6-0 win over Khon Kaen United in the Thai FA Cup.
City’s Max Caputo and Buriram’s Suphanat Mueanta are both side’s respective top goalscorers coming into this clash with three goals apiece.
Furthermore, Buriram’s Peter Zulj is one of the leading assisters in the competition with three alongside his brother, Peter, who also plays for Buriram and has two assists to his name.
The reigning Thai Champions also boast a number of Australian players within their ranks, one of which returns to face his old side.
Defender Curtis Good won a Championship and three Premierships during his time with Melbourne City and has been an ever-present for Buriram since joining the Thai side in 2024.
Meanwhile 5-time Socceroos midfielder Kenny Dougall also returns to Australian soil having joined Buriram United following a six-year spell playing in English football.
