National Defence Ministry v Build Bright United

Saturday July 9 - 2pm

Key players: Pheak Rady & Heng Sokly

In their previous Metfone C-League meeting this season, the Army team suffered the ignominy of allowing BBU to snatch a 2-1 victory deep into injury time. However, MND right back Pheak Rady is convinced they will take their chance for revenge tomorrow.

Chhin Chhoeun and Soeng Chanvanno sure up a strong midfield for the Army, while teammates Phoung Soksana and Phlong Chanthou should carve out opportunities upfront to score.

Meanwhile, Meas Sam Oeun’s BBU will be without three first choice defenders Nhim Sovannara, In Vireak and Tuy Sam through suspension, while striker Nuth Sinuon has ended a recent interclub disciplinary feud by joining Naga Corp.

Midfielder Heng Sokly may finally get his personal account off the mark providing sufficient support from Chhun Sothearath, Chan Veasna, and Oum Chandara.

National Defence currently lie in fourth place on 18 points, while the BBU sit in sixth on 13 points.

Phnom Penh Crown v Rithy Sen

Saturday July 9 - 4pm

Key players: Takahito Ota & Keo Dara

Tomorrow’s late kickoff sees a clash between polar opposites of the table. Highly experienced coach David Booth will make his debut at the helm of Crown, after his appointment last week on a four-month contract.

Striker Kingsley Njoku, defender San Narith and midfielder Phuong Narong are all unavailable for Crown due to suspension. However, newly recruited Japanese midfielder Takahito Ota promises to become a leading man this campaign, while the reigning champions still boast the homegrown talents of Kouch Sokumpheak and Chan Chhaya.

Rithy Sen coach San You admits his side have little hope in leaving Olympic Stadium with any points, but will look for damage limitation after conceding nine goals during their last league encounter. Defenders Dimie Paris and Tam Yusos are serving suspensions for the Kampong Chhnang based outfit.

Crown lead the league with 20 points while Rithy Sen have mustered just 2 points and are firmly rooted at the foot of the table.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey v National Police Commissary

Sunday July 10 - 2pm

Key players: In Vichheka & Long Nasy

A 2-0 loss for Kirivong in the first leg fixture against Polcie three weeks ago was somewhat of a disappointment, and the Takeo club will look to fulfil their potential without the hinderances of injuries or suspensions to their first team.

Sos Nasiet and Touch Sok Heang should have learnt from the previous mistakes and tighten up the back line for Kirivong, while In Vichheka should once again prove invaluable in the pursuit of goals alongside Nigerian hitmen Nelson Olajidi and Sunday Silva.

For the Police, defender Ieng Tin and striker Sophal Udom will miss the tie after picking up red cards in their last match against Crown. Fullback Soup Ravy is doubtful with a knee injury.

All weight of expectancy for goals will fall on the shoulders of striker Long Nasy, while Tit Dina and Samut Dalin also pose significant threats.

The Police are in fifth on 14 points, while Kirivong stand in seventh on 11 points.

Naga Corp v Prek Pra Keila

Sunday July 10 - 4pm

Key players: Momoh Sumaila & Philip Ali

Naga coach Prak Sovannara will not have forgotten their humiliating 3-2 loss to Prek Pra from the first leg. Striker Julius Oiboh, who leads the scoring charts with 14 goals, and defender Neang Chenla will not feature for Naga on Sunday after collecting yellow cards in consecutive games. However, Nigerian midfielder Momoh Sumaila is set to make his second start for the casino backed side.

For Prek Pra, victories from their previous two matches have given them a huge confidence boost as they clambered out of the relegation zone. The team are quickly improving both tactically and in spirit, while impressive support from their loyal fans also provides a  welcome lift.

Philip Ali, who scored twice against Naga, could shine once again for the Muslim community based club and will look for good cooperation with fellow frontmen Mat Hasan and Sos Souhana.

Naga Corp are in second on 19 points, while Prek Pra are eighth with 8 points. 

TRANSLATED BY IN SOPHENG