Hai Phong has been in good form since the second stage, winning 4/6 matches from round 14 to round 19. However, they have declined in the last 2 matches. Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team lost 1-3 to Hanoi Police in the quarter-finals of the National Cup. After that, Hai Phong continued to lose 0-1 to Hoang Anh Gia Lai in the V.League.
With 24 points, ranked 9th on the rankings, Hai Phong is still uncertain to stay in the league. They need to win 1-2 more matches to ensure their position in the V.League next season. The match against Song Lam Nghe An brought a great opportunity for the Hai Phong team to win 3 points, thereby getting closer to relegation.
Song Lam Nghe An is currently in 12/14th place with 19 points. They are only 3 points ahead of Binh Dinh but have played 1 more match than their opponents. The Nghe An team is going through a series of 4 consecutive matches without a win, including 3 draws and 1 loss.
In the previous round, they lost 0-1 at The Cong Viettel Stadium. This defeat left many regrets for Song Lam Nghe An, when they thought that the referee had made inaccurate decisions. However, the important thing for them at this time is to focus on winning important points in the remaining journey of the V.League.
In the first leg, Song Lam Nghe An beat Hai Phong 1-0 at home. However, this rematch will bring many challenges for the Nghe An team. Hai Phong always plays very well at home stadium Lach Tray. They have been unbeaten at home in the last 5 matches, being the only team to defeat Hong Linh Ha Tinh this season, as well as holding Hanoi FC to a draw.
In addition to having to play away, in the context of not being very impressive in form, Song Lam Nghe An does not have the strongest force. Defenders Le Van Thanh and Vuong Van Huy will be absent due to suspension. This will make it even more difficult for the away team when facing Hai Phong away.
Expected lineup:
Hai Phong: Van Toan, Tien Dung, Van Toi, Trung Hieu, Viet Hung, Hoang Nam, Bicou, Huu Son, Van Tu, Friday, Lucao.
Song Lam Nghe An: Van Viet, Van Khanh, Mai Hoang, Van Cuong, Xuan Tien, Nam Hai, Van Luong, Khac Ngoc, Dinh Hoang, Olaha, Kuku.
Score prediction: Hai Phong 2-1 Song Lam Nghe An.
