Hoang Anh Gia Lai - a team that struggled to stay in the league last season and has a not-so-stellar squad - is off to a good start with two wins. They defeated Quang Nam and Song Lam Nghe An to lead the table with six points.
The team from the Mountain City has yet to concede a goal. This achievement has a big mark of coach Le Quang Trai and technical director Vu Tien Thanh.
On the contrary, defending champion Nam Dinh has not played as expected. The attack line that scored 60 goals last season has only scored 1 goal since the beginning of the season, in the 1-0 win over Quang Nam. In the other match, they lost 0-1 to Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
The match against Hoang Anh Gia Lai will be a milestone to test Nam Dinh's mettle. In terms of strength, coach Vu Hong Viet's team is superior to its opponent, especially when Rafaelson successfully naturalized. However, the head-to-head record in the last 5 matches between the two teams is very balanced, with each team winning 1 match, the remaining 3 matches ending in a draw.
The match between Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Nam Dinh will take place at 5:00 p.m. on September 28, at Pleiku Stadium, Gia Lai.
The Cong Viettel vs Binh Dinh is also another notable match. The home team is very excited with 4 points/2 matches. Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team drew with Ho Chi Minh City and won against Hanoi FC.
On the contrary, Binh Dinh - the runner-up team last season lost both matches since the beginning of the tournament. Coach Bui Doan Quang Huy's team is facing many difficulties from performance, force to the confidence of the players.
However, in the last 2 matches against The Cong Viettel, Binh Dinh were undefeated, drawing 1-1 and winning 4-1. This will be the basis for the martial arts team to aim for the first point of the new season.
This round, Hong Linh Ha Tinh - the team with 6 points like Hoang Anh Gia Lai will have a derby match with Song Lam Nghe An. With their current high form, Hong Linh Ha Tinh is confident that they will continue to get points even though they play away.
At Hoa Xuan Stadium, Quang Nam also has a derby match with Da Nang. The home team is at the bottom of the table and will face many difficulties in the relegation battle this season. Similarly, the newcomer Da Nang also faces many challenges to stay in the V.League. Therefore, this match is no different from a "6-point match" for both teams.
This round, Binh Duong - a team with great ambitions will have an away match at the Hanoi Police Stadium. With the solid playing style that coach Hoang Anh Tuan is building, the team from Thu Dau Mot can completely win points at Hang Day Stadium in the context that Hanoi Police is not really in "form".
The match between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is also a match that attracts a lot of attention. Last season, the home team ranked 4th in V.League, 1 place behind Hanoi FC. But this season, they are off to a better start, winning 4 points in 2 matches, while their opponents only have 1 point. With home field advantage and confidence, Phung Thanh Phuong and his team are confident that they will get points.
The remaining match of this round is Thanh Hoa vs Hai Phong, taking place at 6:00 p.m. on September 30.
