HAGL once led the table, but now they have dropped to 7th place out of 14 with 12 points. Before the ASEAN Cup 2024, coach Vu Tien Thanh's team had 2 consecutive away losses against Hai Phong and Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
However, at home, HAGL always plays very uncomfortably. Since the beginning of the tournament, they have played 4 matches at Pleiku Stadium within the framework of V.League. As a result, they won 2 (Cong An Ha Noi, Song Lam Nghe An) and drew 2 (Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa). 3/4 opponents that HAGL has faced at home are all strong candidates for the championship.
As for the Ho Chi Minh City team, they are currently ranked 10/14 with 10 points. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team has been playing inconsistently this season. Before the 2024 ASEAN Cup, they played better, winning 4 points in 2 matches, including a memorable 2-1 victory over Hanoi Police.
Regarding the force, the HCMC team will have all the best players in the away trip to Pleiku Stadium. Meanwhile, HAGL only has 2 foreign players, center back Jairo and striker Marciel, because they have just liquidated another foreign player.
The head-to-head record between the two teams is very balanced. In the last 5 matches, each team has 2 wins, the remaining match ended in a draw. However, with home field advantage, solid playing style and coach Vu Tien Thanh's understanding of his former team, HAGL will have many opportunities to defeat Ho Chi Minh City.
Expected lineup:
HAGL: Trung Kien, Anh Tai, Van Son, Du Hoc, Minh Vuong, Ly Duc, Thanh Son, Dinh Lam, Bao Toan, Ngoc Quang, Marciel.
HCMC: Le Giang, Manh Cuong, Matheus, Schmidt, Vu Tin, Ngoc Long, Thanh Long, Thanh Khoi, Sorga, Ngoc Hau, Endrick.
Score prediction: HAGL 1-0 HCMC.
