V.League preview: Title holders Hanoi FC look to end winless run

Hang Day Stadium is no longer an impregnable fortress for Hanoi FC this season. Since the beginning of V.League 2020, they have been defeated twice there by Song Lam Nghe An and Saigon FC. However, it is hard to blame manager Chu Dinh Nghiem as the title holders’ force at present is more fragile than ever.

After only nine rounds of games, Hanoi FC conceded 10 goals, just three fewer than that of Hai Phong FC, who are now third from bottom. Such a poor display can be attributed to the absence of some important pillars.

During a recent press briefing, Nghiem said he was looking forward to the return of Pape Omar, Ngan Van Dai and Le Van Tu. The trio are expected to be out for three to four weeks before coming back to training.

Despite the difficulties, Hanoi FC remain higher rated than visitors Hai Phong FC ahead of their meeting tomorrow. Pham Anh Tuan’s side are one of the teams that have been showcasing very poor form since the season began. Their playing style is relatively simple, depending on long passes to foreign players, which makes it easy for their opponents to counterattack. That is also why Hai Phong FC only managed to score four times in nine matches, the fewest goals among all 14 participating teams.

The head-to-head record is in favour of Hanoi FC as they have won four and drawn one at home against Hai Phong FC in the latest five seasons. Regarding both home and away results, Nghiem’s side have won six, drawn two and only lost two matches.

This will be a psychological boost for Nguyen Van Quyet and his teammates to look towards the full three points in their upcoming encounter at Hang Day Stadium.

Saigon FC are highly favoured to extend their grip on top of the table after Matchday 10 as they host lower-rated Nam Dinh FC at home this weekend.

Vu Tien Thanh’s troops are the only team yet to taste defeat this season with a nine-game unbeaten run of five wins and four draws that has helped them take control of the title race, currently standing two points clear at the top. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh FC have lost all four away matches in V.League 2020. Given the fact, this will be an ideal chance for Saigon FC to add an additional win and continue flying high in the standings.

Saigon’s city rivals Ho Chi Minh City are expected to have a difficult away match at newly promoted Hong Linh Ha Tinh due to the lack of centre backs Diakite and Huu Tuan, and forward Amido Balde, who are under suspension for having received the sufficient cards.

Besides this, the V.League newbies are also exhibiting an extremely annoying play style. Except for a narrow 0-1 loss against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Hong Linh Ha Tinh’s performances against higher-rated teams in five of the last six rounds have been quite good, as they played out draws with Hanoi FC, SHB Da Nang, Saigon FC, Becamex Binh Duong and most recently Song Lam Nghe An. If such resilience is maintained, it is likely that Pham Minh Duc’s side will earn some points during their Saturday clash against the defending runners-up.

The remaining four matches of Matchday 10 include Hoang Anh Gia Lai vs Quang Nam FC, Song Lam Nghe An vs Viettel FC, SHB Da Nang vs Quang Ninh Coal, and Becamex Binh Duong vs Thanh Hoa FC.