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Bjorn Lindemann, the German midfielder who plies his trade in the Thai Premier League (TPL), knows what it takes to defeat giants Muang Thong United. 31-year-old Lindemann scored twice for his previous club Suphanburi when they thrashed the Twin Qilins 5-2 last year on their own patch. However, it would be difficult to expect the same outcome when his new club, the newly promoted Nakhon Ratchasima, host the three times winners on Sunday in the inaugural week of the 2015 TPL season. But a home win for the Swat Cats at a packed out 80th Birthday Stadium would certainly bring the new season to life. A day earlier, defending champions and four times winners Buriram United begin their title defence at home against a team who have just had their third name in only three months. After ending last season as Singhtarua, the club changed their name to Port FC when threatened with relegation due to financial issues. But, having just been taken over by new sponsors, they are now to be known as Port MTI (Muang Thai Insurance). The club badge now features a horse instead of a lion, which has left a section of fans somewhat unhappy. The Thunder Castles are expected to win with ease against the troubled visitors. The hosts' star signing Diogo Santos hit the ground running with the winning goal in the Khor Cup Final against Bangkok Glass last month. Alexandre Gama's side will look to provide him with the ammunition for some more goals. In Saturday's other TPL matches, Ratchaburi are at home to TOT, League Cup holders BEC Tero Sasana host Chiang Rai United and last year's runners up, Chonburi United, get things underway at new boys Saraburi. Jadet Meelarp's team have added bite to their attack in the form of forwards Leandro Assumpcao and Kirati Keawsombat and are likely to prevail against Saraburi. BEC Tero's Belgian general manager Robert Procureur will be hoping that star playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin raises his game to new heights this season as they put together a title challenge. "We will challenge for the league title and defend the League Cup. We are looking forward to more glory after winning a long-awaited title last season," Procureur told the Bangkok Post. TPL will also witness the battle of the armed forces on Saturday, with Army United taking on the Navy at home. Army coach Gary Stevens will be without last year's star man, Brazilian midfielder Rafael Botti, for the first half of the season. The former Tottenham defender told ESPN FC: "Not having Rafael Botti available for the start of the season is a blow. But one man's bad luck is another's opportunity. So we need another player, or ideally players, to up their game and fill the void." On Sunday, Chainat welcome Mano Polking's ambitious Bangkok United and Osotspa take on Suphanburi who will be without Thailand's Suzuki Cup star Charyl Chappuis, ruled out for the first two months of the season with a knee injury. Bangkok Glass' game against Sisaket has been postponed by a month due to the Glass Rabbits' AFC Champions League third round qualifier against Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan on Feb. 17.
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