Prek Pra Keila v National Defence Ministry

Saturday May 14 – 2pm

A first victory in the 2011 Metfone C-League campaign could prove elusive for yet another week for Prek Pra as they take on an in-form National Defence Ministry in the weekend’s opening match at Olympic Stadium.

Skipper and centre back Khin Voeurn is back from suspension for the Muslim community based club, so Nigerian coach Jack Tonye Charles believes his team won’t suffer the same defence calamities as in their 8-0 capitulation to Build Bright United last week.

Prek Pra’s problems aren’t confined to the backline, however, with forwards Mat Phalla and Philip Ali yet to open their accounts for the season. The side may look to marauding midfielder Sos Souhana to break their goal drought.

Meanwhile, Army strikers Phoung Soksana and Plong Chanthou will be top choices for coach Op Sam An to help his team earn three more points. Midfielders Chhin Chhoeun, Ke Vannak and Seung Chan Vanno are also primed for another 90 minutes of relentless assault.

In their two league encounters last year, the Army outfit beat Prek Pra 4-0 before the teams played out a goalless draw.

Phnom Penh Crown v Build Bright United

Saturday May 14 – 4pm

Champions Crown will not have easily forgotten their painful defeat to BBU on penalties in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Samdech Hun Sen Cup. Not only can Crown claim revenge for their disappointing Cup exit, but they can also give themselves a confidence boost ahead of their participation in the 2011 AFC President’s Cup group stage which starts the following weekend in Phnom Penh.

Kingsley Njoku and Kouch Sokumpheak are still the bookies favourites to adorn the scoresheets for Crown, while promising young striker Hong Pheng is expected to make his second appearance off the bench for the senior squad.

For Meas Sam Oeurn’s BBU, Oum Chandara will be the key man after his splendid hat trick against Prek Pra last week. Heng Sokly and Nuth Sinoun are also the men to watch for the university backed club.

National Police Comissary v Preah Khan Reach

Sunday May 15 – 2pm

Sunday’s early kickoff sees a clash between two teams that opt to field 100 percent homegrown talent. The Police side will look to bounce back from a disheartening 1-0 loss to the Army, while Hun Sen Cup holders PKR are remarkably still hunting for their first league victory of 2011.

Midfielder Ngoun Chansothea and defender Ieng Tin will return from suspension, as captain Sophal Udom looks to be the star attraction again for the Police. Man Ritavann and Sim Vutha will also hope to continue their improvement over the course of this season.

Meanwhile, if PKR hotshot Khuon Laboravy fails to overcome his opposite numbers, Tum Saray, Prak Mony Udom and Sok Chanrasmey will supply an alternative source of firepower.

Rithy Sen v Naga Corp

Sunday May 15 – 4pm

Rithy Sen are facing a bleak campaign ahead after already conceding 23 goals from their first four matches. Playing against the highly rated Naga Corp will most likely heap yet further misery on the Kampong Chhnang outfit.

Rithy Sen’s only solution would be to strengthen their defence, with goalkeeper Oum Veasna likely to be the kept very busy on Sunday.

For Naga, frontmen Julius Oiboh and Kop Isa will attempt to add to their tallies, while coach Prak Sovannara should have little to concern him at the back with experienced Om Thavrak and Neang Chenla both on song of late.