PKR’s Khoun LaBoravy (left) vies with MND’s Nhoek Sovann Channarith. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Prek Pra Keila v Build Bright United

Saturday July 23 - 2pm

Key players: Sen Soukey & Um Chandara

After a confidence boosting 2-1 victory over title chasers Naga Corp, BBU will be looking for further fillips from their match tomorrow against Prek Pra, whom they plundered 8-0 during the first leg. Midfielder Oum Chandara had bagged a hat-trick in that game while his team-mate Pich Seiha scored twice.

BBU captain Prum Puthsethy and midfielder Chhun Sothearath will as ever heap the pressure on their opponents, while Hang Chantrea, who joined recently from Kirivong, has proved a revelation in defence.

After a promising run, Prek Pra have slumped back into the relegation quagmire after suffering two consecutive defeats.

The suburban Muslim community based side seem to have issues throughout their ranks that need addressing, but if midfielder Sen Soukey can create an accurate supply line to forwards Mat Hassan and Philip Ali, they could honour it with goals.

BBU are currently fourth on 19 points, while Prek Pra have fallen to ninth with 8 points.

Phnom Penh Crown v Chhlam Samuth

Saturday July 23 - 4pm

Key players: Kouch Sokumpheak & Paul Olabode

Tomorrow’s late kickoff provides as good a chance as any for Crown striker Kouch Sokumpheak to add to his goal tally, with the national team star mustering just three so far in this year’s campaign.

Players such as strikers Kingsley Njoku and Chan Chhaya, central midfielder Takahito Ota and winger Soung Virak should also push Crown to extending their slender at the top of the table over rivals Naga.

Chhlam Samuth will not take their comprehensive 5-2 victory over bottom club Rithy Sen as an indication they can win against Crown, but will have taken heart in the hat-trick performance of forward Paul Olabode. The Sea Sharks’ newly recruited midfielder Ayodele Silva could provide some much needed firepower, while San Thydeth will sure up in the backline against the reigning league champions.

In their first leg encounter, Crown won 2-0. The casino backed club lead the standings with 26 points, while Chhlam Samuth are in eighth on 10 points.

National Defence Ministry v Preah Khan Reach

Sunday July 24 - 2pm

Key players: Chhin Chhoeun & Khoun Laboravy

In their previous meeting, MND forwards Chhin Chhoen, Phoung Soksana and Plong Chanthou combined well to lift their side over Preah Khan Reach 3-1. The attackers will need to regain their composure after some poor performances, while defenders Pheak Rady, Kun Koun, and Khek Khemrin also need to pull their socks up.

Meanwhile, PKR striker Khoun Laboravy has his work cut out to help his side climb the table as he also pursues a Cup and League double of Golden Boots. Laboravy is currently four goals behind Naga hotshot Julius Oiboh in the scoring charts with a total of 11.

National Defence are currently in 5th with 18 points, while Preah Khan Reach are in top 3 with 21 points.

Rithy Sen v National Police Commissary

Sunday July 24 - 4pm

Key players: Keo Dara & Moeung Phanith

Hopefully the weekend’s last fixture will yield another high scoring affair, with the teams ending deadlocked at 3-3 in the first leg. However, Police midfielder Tit Dina, who grabbed the stoppage time equaliser in that game, may be out with a injury to his right knee.

If Sophal Udom or Long Nasy do not lace find a finishing touch on Sunday, Police coach Ung Kanyanith will be hoping right winger Moeung Phanith can reproduce the form that saw him score twice in the last clash with Rithy Sen.

For winless Rithy Sen, the ability of midfielder Keo Dara has create many chances in the box which has endeared himself to many fans. Dara also netted a brace against Police.

Defender Paris Dimie is serving a suspension after gathering a red card last week, while striker Raymond Esin could become the hero of the Kampong Chhnang outfit if he can put more of his efforts on target.

The Police side are seventh with 14 points, while Rithy Sen remain at the foot of the table with just two draws to their name. TRANSLATED BY IN SOPHENG