The HCMC team has 19 points, ranking 10th on the rankings. They are not really safe yet, so they really need a win to break away from the bottom of the table.
The performance of the Thong Nhat Stadium team in recent times has not been convincing. They have won 1, lost 2 and drawn 2 in their last 5 matches in the V.League. Before the tournament was temporarily suspended to make way for the national teams, the HCMC team lost 1-3 on the field of Quang Nam.
Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An has 16 points, ranked 12th on the rankings, but is in quite stable form. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team has won 3 matches, drawn 1 match, and lost 1 match in the last 5 matches in all competitions. The Nghe An team has entered the semi-finals of the National Cup and is confident that it will continue to successfully stay in the V.League.
In the first leg at Vinh Stadium, the two teams drew 0-0. In general, in the last 5 meetings, Song Lam Nghe An is considered slightly better with 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.
In terms of strength, both teams do not have the best squads. On the Ho Chi Minh City team's side, defender Manh Cuong and midfielder Endrick are suspended. On the away team's side, center back Zaracho was also unable to play for the same reason.
With being at the bottom of the rankings, the match between Ho Chi Minh City and Song Lam Nghe An is no different from a "6-point match", where the winning team will have a great chance to finish safely this season.
The HCMC team is not rated too highly compared to their opponents, but at home, they played very well. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team has won 3 and drawn 1 in the last 4 home matches. Therefore, they will take the initiative to aim for a victory against Song Lam Nghe An.
Expected lineup:
HCMC: Le Giang, Thanh Thao, Duarte, Vu Tin, Thanh Khoi, Quoc Cuong, Schmidt, Quoc Gia, Huy Toan, Thanh Long, Pedro.
Song Lam Nghe An: Van Viet, Van Huy, Van Thanh, Van Khanh, Dinh Hoang, Manh Quynh, Ba Quyen, Van Luong, Khac Ngoc, Kuku, Olaha.
Score prediction: Ho Chi Minh City 1-0 Song Lam Nghe An.
