The midfielder began the 2-0 first-leg victory on the bench, with Kim Sang Sik pairing Thanh Long and Hoang Duc in midfield.

Thanh Long, however, struggled to make his usual impact and also faces fitness considerations, potentially opening the door for captain Quang Hai to start the return fixture.

There is another compelling reason for the change: confidence.

Quang Hai came off the bench in Bangkok and scored Vietnam’s second goal, giving his team a significant cushion heading into the decisive match in Hanoi.

His inclusion would add experience and composure in tight spaces at a time when Thailand are expected to press aggressively in search of an early goal.

Quang Hai could also ease some of Hoang Duc’s responsibility for organizing possession. His passing range and ability to produce unexpected moments would give Vietnam another route for moving quickly from defense into attack.

That could be particularly valuable against a Thai side with little choice but to push players forward.

Changes without disrupting the balance

Kim is unlikely to overhaul a team that returned from Bangkok with a two-goal advantage.

Any changes are instead expected to address specific weaknesses exposed during the first 90 minutes.

Viet Anh is another player who could enter the starting lineup. His inclusion in central defense would allow Van Hau to move to the left flank in place of Van Vi.

Van Hau would offer greater physical strength in defensive duels while retaining the ability to contribute going forward.

That possibility becomes particularly relevant given Thailand’s expected approach. With the visitors chasing goals, Vietnam could face more aerial balls, physical contests and pressure inside their penalty area.

A central defensive combination featuring Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung and Viet Anh would provide additional security, with Patrik Le Giang expected to retain his place in goal after an outstanding performance at Rajamangala.

Further forward, Tai Loc could replace Hoang Hen alongside Dinh Bac and Xuan Son.

Tai Loc’s willingness to cover ground, contest possession and create space could suit a match in which Vietnam are likely to rely more heavily on transitions rather than prolonged attacking pressure.

Dinh Bac’s speed and dribbling ability would likewise become increasingly valuable if Thailand commit numbers forward.

Xuan Son’s role goes beyond goals

Xuan Son remains the leading candidate to spearhead the attack.

The striker failed to score in Bangkok, but his contribution was not measured solely by goals. His physical presence forced Thailand’s defenders into repeated battles and helped wear down the opposition before Kim introduced fresh attacking options.

Commentator Quang Huy believes that role was underestimated.

According to Quang Huy, Xuan Son’s combination of strength, stamina and experience allows him to make life uncomfortable for Thai defenders even when he does not find the net.

This time, however, he expects the striker to score.

Quang Huy has predicted another 2-0 victory for Vietnam, with Xuan Son among the players he expects to make the difference.

For Kim, the scoreline may be less important than the structure of the performance.

Vietnam have no need to force the pace after establishing a 2-0 first-leg advantage. Thailand must take risks, and those risks should eventually create counterattacking opportunities.

The likely changes therefore point not toward a more adventurous Vietnam but toward a side designed to remain stable, absorb pressure and attack at carefully chosen moments.

With the ASEAN Cup trophy within reach, control could prove far more valuable than spectacle.

The ASEAN Cup 2026 final second leg between Vietnam and Thailand kicks off at 8pm on August 26 at My Dinh National Stadium.

Duy Nguyen - Dai Nam