Pace-setters Phnom Penh Crown and Boeung Ket Angkor are likely to be pressed hard during the midweek action in the Metfone C League against rivals who have often in the past created flutters when least expected.

On the back of their 6-0 drubbing of Asia Europe United last Saturday, Crown face Ministry of National Defence in today’s top fixture, aiming to maintain that winning tempo and at the same time hold ground in their leadership battle with Boeung Ket Angkor.

The Armymen have done nothing spectacular since their 2010 Hun Sen Cup triumph, but heavyweights in domestic football almost always regard this robust side with a healthy respect and an abundance of caution.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey could count on a few positives even in their defeat at the hands of Boeung Ket three days ago. The side will be desperate to get a positive outcome from a tottering campaign against Cambodian Tigers at the Western Stadium.

Debutants Cambodian Mines Action Center will take on Asia Europe United at the Olympic Stadium. This twilight fixture will be broadcasted live on BTV.

Two-time champions NagaWorld kick-start Thursday’s card at the Olympic Stadium hoping to take in their stride Western Phnom Penh, who stunned them with a last gasp winner the last time the two met in the first round.

But the day’s riveting attention will be focused on Boeung Ket Angkor’s clash with Build Bright United at the Army Stadium.

While Boeung Ket have not given much away this season, the last season’s runners-up will have to tread a careful path against a side that has the reputation of being tough to dislodge.

Under the Olympic Stadium lights, Svay Rieng will square off against General Commisariat of National Police in what promises to be a tough contest that is being beamed live by local channel BTV.

Both sides are passionately driven by their desire to make the four-team Championship-round cut as the fight that is seemingly for two spots behind Crown and Boeung Ket get hotter by the week.

Match Schedule:

Today:

MND v Phnom Penh Crown (Army Stadium, 3.30pm)

Cambodian Tigers v Kirivong Sok Sen Chey (Western Stadium, 3.30pm)

Cambodian Mines Action Center v AEU (Olympic Stadium, 6pm)

Thursday:

NagaWorld v Western, Phnom Penh (Olympic Stadium, 3.30pm)

Boeung Ket Angkor v Build Bright United (Army Stadium, 3.30pm)

Svay Rieng v National Police (Olympic Stadium, 6pm)