The V-League 2026/27 will feature two automatic relegation places and no play-off.

Under the new format, the battle for survival is expected to be especially intense this season, and several clubs are already being identified as potential candidates for relegation to the First Division.

SLNA may have secured a new sponsor, but the club has still been unable to retain several important players.

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SLNA face considerable difficulties with their squad ahead of the new season. Photo: VPF

The Vinh-based side have parted ways with Michael Olaha, Carlos Fortes, Ngo Van Luong and Vuong Van Huy.

“The pressure on us is enormous because we have a young squad and limited financial resources. Some of the foreign players will also need time to adapt to the V-League,” coach Van Sy Son said.“We the refore have to prepare carefully, help the new players settle in quickly and try to collect every possible point from each match.”

SLNA begin their season by hosting newly promoted Bac Ninh in the opening round of the V-League 2026/27 at Vinh Stadium on September 6.

Their opponents are themselves considered among the teams at risk of relegation this season.

After earning promotion, Bac Ninh parted ways with Huynh Tuan Linh, Truong Van Thiet and Ha Duc Chinh, while bringing in Pierre Lamothe, Luong Hoang Nam, Le Tien Anh, overseas Vietnamese midfielder Minh-Kai, Le Van Xuan, Vu Tien Long and goalkeeper Nguyen Van Cong.

Bac Ninh have also invested heavily in foreign players, signing three Brazilians, with midfielder Vitao and striker Brenner Marlos among the most notable additions.

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Bac Ninh are preparing for their first season in the V-League.

However, Bac Ninh’s squad does not appear particularly outstanding, while their lack of experience and composure could prove challenging in their first V-League campaign.

If Hai Huy and his teammates fail to pick up the necessary points, they could find themselves facing a difficult battle for survival.

Another newly promoted club, Dong Nai, also face a challenging season.

Despite investing heavily in their squad ahead of their first V-League campaign, the southeastern club will still depend considerably on Cong Phuong’s form and the coaching ability of Nguyen Viet Thang.

Beyond those teams, Thanh Hoa and HAGL will also need to approach every round with care, particularly their direct encounters with their main relegation rivals.

Both have years of V-League experience, but difficulties involving squad strength, finances and other issues mean Thanh Hoa and HAGL could still face relegation to the First Division next season if they fail to maintain consistency.

Dai Nam