At 7:00 p.m. tonight (November 19), the Vietnam team will have a match against Laos in the 5th round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This is a match of a pivotal nature that will determine the "Golden Star Warriors" chance to continue.
Although the Laos team is not a strong opponent, coach Kim Sang-sik is still cautious about tactics and the way of using people to aim for the most positive results. Therefore, it will not be surprising if the Korean coach chooses a familiar squad in recent matches.
Notably, there is the return of goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu in goal - who shined at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. In the previous training session, this goalkeeper was absent due to injury and has not reached his best physical condition.
The three central defenders of the Vietnamese team are expected to be Bui Tien Dung in the left position, Pham Xuan Manh playing on the right and Do Duy Manh playing in the center of the defense. They are all experienced players and have played throughout the past time.
The two-sided corridors will have the appearance of defenders Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (left wing) and Truong Tien Anh (right wing). Both are in stable form and can complete their tasks well.
The central midfield group that coach Kim Sang-sik will likely choose are Nguyen Hoang Duc and Le Pham Thanh Long. In which, Hoang Duc played the role of regulating the ball, organizing attacks and attracting the opponent's defense.
Up front, Nguyen Tien Linh continues to play as a center forward. He will receive support from left striker Nguyen Van Vi and on the right wing, Nguyen Quang Hai. They are expected to explode with goals and do a good job of finishing - something they have not done in previous matches.
For Xuan Son, although he once affirmed that he had recovered 100% from an injury, in reality, this was still the period when the striker born in 1997 regained his best ball feeling and physical condition.
It is likely that Mr. Kim Sang-sik will use Xuan Son from the bench, despite the fact that this player expressed his desire to contribute his all to the national team.
Expected lineup of the Vietnam team: Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, Bui Tien Dung, Do Duy Manh, Pham Xuan Manh, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Truong Tien Anh, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Le Pham Thanh Long, Nguyen Van Vi, Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Quang Hai.
