The Southern Sea Kirin sit in eighth place in Division One with 29 points from 21 games, eight points behind their opponents who are fifth albeit with a game in hand.
United are currently two points behind Chainat FC, the team occupying the third promotion spot, but have also played one more game than the Hornbills.
FC Phuket head into the match having finally registered an away win as Somphong Wattan’s men overcame bottom of the league RBAC Mittraphap in their last league outing with a goal from new signing Boubacar Issoufou.
Since the historic 1-0 away win the Kirin slumped to a shock aggregate defeat against Phatthalung FC in the Toyota League Cup quarter-finals.
FC Phuket trailed by a goal to nil from the first leg but with home advantage in the return leg were fancied to progress.
The home side levelled the tie in the 90 minutes but conceded three times in extra time to draw 3-3, losing 4-3 on aggregate.
The defeat prompted a small minority of fans to hurl missiles onto the pitch, an act that was roundly condemned by the rest of the supporters.
Despite that setback FC Phuket have been strong at home this season, winning six matches and losing just two.
United won their most recent game, beating Chanthaburi FC 2-0 away from home to end a run of four consecutive defeats.
The team from the capital has been vulnerable at the back since the mid-season break and FC Phuket will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Bangkok defence.
Speaking ahead of the game FC Phuket captain Suphat Ontthong warned that the Kirin were in for a tough match: “I don't like to admit it but this game won’t be easy. Bangkok Utd will want all three points but we will manage.”
“Everyone has to play together so we can win. We have to give 110 per cent in this game to get the three points to cut the gap between us and third [Chainat FC] as much as possible.
“We also have to take advantage of playing at home; we know the pitch inside out and we will definitely take advantage of that.
“I hope the fans come and see us play. This is our first home league game for ages. We need your support.”
Ivorian striker Kone Adama echoes his captain’s sentiments: “We must be serious about this game because Bangkok United will want three points. But here, in Phuket I think it’ll be difficult for them to achieve that.”
“I think we will win 3-1 and hopefully I’ll score.”
FC Phuket v Bangkok United: kick off 6 pm, Surakul Stadium.
– Photo by Kazi Hans.