Thanh Hoa is currently in 6th place with 27 points, but they are one of the teams with the worst form in V.League.
The Thanh team has not won in 9 consecutive matches. The last time Thanh Hoa won all 3 points was a 1-0 victory over Da Nang on November 20, 2024.
This decline in performance caused Thanh Hoa to lose steam in the championship race. To save the situation, the team's leadership said goodbye to coach Velizar Popov, replaced him with Tomislav Steinbruckner but could not make a difference.
In the first two matches in charge, the Croatian strategist could not improve the situation, when Thanh Hoa lost 1-3 to Hanoi, then drew 1-1 with Song Lam Nghe An.
The long streak of not winning matches has caused many players to lose confidence and no longer show their best abilities. Doan Ngoc Tan and his teammates really need a victory to lift their spirits, however, their opponents in this round are not easy to play.
The Cong Viettel is competing for the championship. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team is very hungry for a victory, after 2 consecutive draws with a score of 2-2 against Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Quang Nam.
Facing a declining opponent, The Cong Viettel is confident that they will win all 3 points, especially in the context that Thanh Hoa does not have the best force. The home team will not have the services of Doan Ngoc Tan (injured) and Thai Son (ponus card), two players who play a very important role in the team's playing style.
In the first leg, Thanh Hoa beat The Cong Viettel 2-1 despite being chased by 2 players. The return match will give coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team the opportunity to pay off their losses.
Expected lineup:
Thanh Hoa: Xuan Hoang, Gustavo, governor of the province, Van Loi, A Mit, Viet Tu, Thanh Nam, Thai Binh, Van Thang, Antonio, Ribamar Santos.
The Cong Viettel: Van Phong, Tien Dung, Minh Tung, Tuan Phong, Duc Chien, Tien Anh, Van Khang, Nata, Huu Thang, Cong Phuong, Amarilo.
Score prediction: Thanh Hoa 1-2 The Cong Viettel.
