Rain a pain for Students in East Java

The Thailand Premier League champions, lying in third place, are on track for a berth in the second round. However, their chances seem remote after they had to settle for a goal-less home draw against rivals Indonesia's Arema Malang a fortnight ago. It was their third draw in a row and they are four points behind the current leaders.

Given that only the top team from each of seven groups will progress into the next round, the Students' hopes of qualification hinge on the outcome of the reverse tie with the Copa title holders.

However, the tropical conditions did not help the Students' cause after sustained rain greeted Somchai's men on their arrival in the Malang province in East Java.

"I'm very concerned with the weather conditions here as there has been a heavy downpour every day since we arrived. The pitch is in poor condition, forcing us to adjust our game plan," Somchai said.

"We have to change our strategy as it will be difficult to play our passing game given the condition of the pitch. Judging by what I saw during training, my lads will have no problem."

Having picked up a reputation for defensive resilience, the Students, who so far have conceded only one goal, face a major problem in their back line. First-team goalkeeper Weera Koedpudsa will miss today's match through suspension after picking up a needless yellow card for dissent in stoppage time during the first meeting against Arema.

Suspension has also deprived the team of the services of regular midfielder Tanapat na Tarue who picked up his second yellow in the competition on the same day.

With the backing of passionate home fans, Arema's Czech coach Miroslav Janu is convinced the "Aremania army" will drive his team to their first win in the continent's elite club competition.

"It'll certainly be different for Bangkok University as we have tremendous support compared to them. I don't know if their players are used to playing in front of huge crowds but we'll use it against them," said Janu.

"We managed to hold them to a draw at their home and now I believe that we have a better chance to win the match in Malang and earn Arema's first continental win."