Before the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semi-final against Malaysia, the Vietnamese team did not record any more worrying injuries, only Van Vi practiced separately because his fitness was not guaranteed. This helps coach Kim Sang-sik have a basis to keep the framework that operated in the first leg.
In goal, Le Giang Patrik is likely to continue to start. This goalkeeper had a stable performance in Kuala Lumpur with many important saves, contributing to helping the Vietnamese team keep a clean sheet before returning to My Dinh.
In the defense, the trio of central defenders Nguyen Thanh Chung, Pham Xuan Manh and Bui Hoang Viet Anh are considered priority choices. The two wing corridors are still expected to be Truong Tien Anh and Nguyen Van Vi.
However, Van Vi had to practice separately in the most recent training session. Although this is mainly a physical prevention measure, the coaching staff is still closely monitoring the condition of this player.
If Van Vi is not in the best physical condition, Doan Van Hau is a viable replacement. This is also a position that the Vietnamese team can adjust after what happened in the first leg, when Malaysia repeatedly focused on attacking the left wing and creating dangerous situations.
The midfield is likely to continue to be assigned to Nguyen Hoang Duc and Le Pham Thanh Long. In the context of Malaysia being forced to push up the squad to find a goal, Thanh Long's ability to launch quick attacks and over-the-line passes can become an important weapon. Hoang Duc still plays the role of coordinating the play and connecting the lines.
In attack, Nguyen Xuan Son is almost certainly in the starting lineup. Playing alongside him is likely still Nguyen Dinh Bac. The remaining position is the competition between Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Tai Loc.
Expected lineup to recruit Vietnam: Le Giang Patrik, Thanh Chung, Xuan Manh, Viet Anh, Van Vi, Tien Anh, Hoang Duc, Thanh Long, Xuan Son, Dinh Bac, Tai Loc.
