Although they have won all 6 points after the first two matches, U23 Vietnam has not yet been able to win a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. This may put aside coach Kim Sang-sik's force rotation plan.
In the decisive confrontation with U23 Saudi Arabia, the starting lineup of U23 Vietnam is likely to still maintain the familiar and most optimal framework.
The Korean coach understands that, with just a disadvantageous result, the situation in the group stage can completely change. Therefore, major personnel disruptions are unlikely to occur, except in cases of force majeure related to players' fitness.
The U23 Vietnam defense will not change. The squad including goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, central defenders Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh bring peace of mind.
Meanwhile, two full-backs Pham Minh Phuc and Nguyen Phi Hoang have created the necessary stability. Compared to the reserve options, this group of players is showing better coordination and higher reliability, especially in the context that U23 Saudi Arabia possesses a strong attack and plays fast.
In midfield, midfielders Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Xuan Bac showed signs of exhaustion after the match against U23 Kyrgyzstan. This is a rare area where adjustments may appear, when Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong is ready to play.
On the attacking front, U23 Vietnam also has positive signals. Nguyen Le Phat impressed at this year's tournament thanks to his ability to create walls, hold the ball and compete effectively. Khuat Van Khang gradually regained his form.
In addition, Nguyen Dinh Bac is likely to return to the starting lineup after reaching good physical condition. With experience and the ability to create breakthroughs, the striker born in 2004 is expected to explode against U23 Saudi Arabia.
In the opposite direction, Le Van Thuan and Nguyen Ngoc My are more suitable for the role of tactical cards in the second half.
Expected lineup of U23 Vietnam: Goalkeeper Trung Kien, Nhat Minh, Ly Duc, Hieu Minh, Phi Hoang, Minh Phuc, Thai Son, Xuan Bac, Le Phat, Van Khang, Dinh Bac.
