Thanh Hoa FC (in yellow) are expected to have a tough match against reigning champions Hanoi FC this weekend.

A change in leadership has brought a new breeze to the Thanh Hoa side, inspiring them to obtain four points after their two latest league matches. Particularly, by beating Quang Nam FC 3-2 on matchday 8, manager Nguyen Duc Thang and his players tasted victory for the first time since the beginning of the season.

An atmosphere of excitement and confidence is flowing through the whole team who were almost banned from attending the 2019 V.League only nearly two months ago due to a lack of funding. Thanh Hoa’s current 11th-place position in the table can definitely be improved if they continue to build on it with the impressive form that they have displayed in the past two matches.

Jubilant as they are following a two-game unbeaten run, worry embraces the Thanh Hoa side again as they take on high-flying Hanoi FC this Saturday. Despite their home-field advantage, the difference in terms of lineup quality will surely be a big hindrance to the 2018 runners-up’s ambition for attaining a positive result.

Meanwhile, the lucky draw at Becamex Binh Duong last weekend forced Hanoi FC to concede top spot to title contenders Ho Chi Minh City. It turned out to be a much-needed draw for the capital team to keep their foot on the ground after having gone eight matches without conceding a loss.

Up to present, Chu Dinh Nghiem’s side still remains the only unbeaten team in 2019 V.League. Undoubtedly, they will set a three-point goal for their upcoming trip to Thanh Hoa FC in the hopes of surpassing HCM City once again in the title race.

HCM City regained top spot of the table after beating Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN a few days ago. However, they are now only one point clear of Hanoi FC, an extremely fragile gap that could be cancelled out if they slip up against former champions Quang Nam FC tomorrow.

Second-from-bottom Quang Nam are now thirsty for a victory after going two games empty-handed. Hoang Van Phuc’s troops will travel to HCM City with the hope of winning the full three points, which has been ignited as Chung Hae-seong’s side are going to miss forward Matias and midfielder Hoang Thinh (injury), alongside centre back Ewonde and midfielder Cong Hien (suspension). 

The clash between Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and newbies Viettel at Hang Day stadium (Hanoi) also draws huge attention from fans. HAGL are showing signs of a revival under the dynasty of Republic of Korea manager Lee Tae-hoon with an impressive run of one win and one draw. Van Toan and his teammates are now eager for the away match at Viettel, who are also managed by a RoK tactician. The Gia Lai team are expected to welcome the return of midfielder Van Thanh, which will help to strengthen their power and confidence ahead of the Hanoi trip.

As for Viettel, winning three wins and one draw in eight matches is not bad at all for a newly promoted team. With a strong fighting spirit, a pragmatic playing style and the home-field advantage, Lee Heung-sil’s troops will surely join HAGL to make an exciting match this weekend.

Song Lam Nghe An will visit Hai Phong with the goal of securing three points to consolidate their third place in the table. Meanwhile, ninth-placed SHB Da Nang are expected to make light work of bottom-placed Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN on their home field. Nhan Dan

Van Toan