The Vietnamese team does not face much pressure about the result before the rematch with Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
With Malaysia being defeated in 2 matches for violating player regulations, coach Kim Sang-sik's team officially won a ticket to the finals 1 match early.
Therefore, tonight's match (March 31st) is more about reviewing the force than emphasizing the result factor.
In the goalkeeper position, after starting in the friendly match against Bangladesh, Dang Van Lam may have to give way to Nguyen Filip. The goalkeeper of Hanoi Police is in stable form and has good control of the penalty area.
Meanwhile, Tran Trung Kien continues to be a backup option, not having many opportunities to compete for a starting spot at the present time.
The defense is likely to be maintained with a system of 3 center-backs. Captain Do Duy Manh plays a central role, taking on organization and command. The remaining two positions may be Pham Xuan Manh (right) and Doan Van Hau (left), capable of contesting and supporting the deployment of the ball from the lower line.
On both wings, defenders Cao Pendant Quang Vinh (left wing) and Truong Tien Anh (right wing) continue to be used thanks to their wide mobility and meeting the requirements of attacking and defending.
The midfield is still revolving around midfielders Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai. These are two players who are capable of holding the ball and regulating the tempo, directly participating in attacking situations. However, both of them pushing high requires the rear system to maintain balance to limit space when losing the ball.
In attack, Do Hoang Hen can be arranged to play freely, playing a connecting role. The two wing corridors are likely to belong to Pham Tuan Hai and Nguyen Hai Long, who possess speed and the ability to create breakthroughs.
Notably, striker Nguyen Xuan Son is not certain to start right from the beginning and may be used from the 2nd half to suit his physical condition after a long break.
Expected squad to recruit Vietnam: Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, Van Hau, Duy Manh, Xuan Manh, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, Tien Anh, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Hoang Hen, Tuan Hai, Hai Long.
