Before round 16 of V.League, Hanoi Police still topped the table with 35 points, but have only played 14 matches. However, their unbeaten streak was stopped in the previous round when the team lost to Hanoi FC 1-2. This helps the opponents behind them to be more confident in the championship race, including Ninh Binh FC - the team currently ranked 3rd with 28 points.
In the first leg, Hanoi Police defeated Ninh Binh 3-2, thanks to a hat-trick by striker Alan. The Brazilian striker is expected to return to lead the team's attack, after missing the defeat to Hanoi FC due to injury.
On Ninh Binh's side, their form has not been high recently, with 4 consecutive matches without a win. Everything has not shown signs of improvement even though the team just brought Mr. Vu Tien Thanh to lead. In the previous round, Ninh Binh drew with Da Nang, a team in the bottom group, 1-1 at home.
Ninh Binh wants to defeat Hanoi Police to nurture the hope of winning the championship. However, they do not have the service of key striker Geovane due to suspension.
On the visiting team's side, they are still rated higher, thanks to a balanced force and many excellent players in the attack. If they continue to defeat the ancient capital team, Hanoi Police will consolidate the top spot and almost put an end to the opponent's competition ambitions.
In this round, the team currently ranked second in the rankings, The Cong Viettel, will host Hai Phong at home. The home team is on a 3-match winning streak, with high form and spirit. In the first leg, The Cong Viettel defeated Hai Phong 2-1 away, so they are very confident about the opportunity to win all 3 points.
After defeating Cong An Ha Noi, Hanoi FC is confident that they will have another victory against Song Lam Nghe An at home. In terms of force, Van Quyet and his teammates are rated slightly higher. In the first leg, they also defeated Song Lam Nghe An 3-1 away. However, the Nghe team is also in high form with 3 consecutive wins recently, including overcoming The Cong Viettel 4-1 right at Hang Day Stadium.
In the bottom group, the focus of attention will be on the Da Nang vs Hoang Anh Gia Lai match. In the first leg, Hoang Anh Gia Lai won with a score of 1-0. But with erratic form, the Mountain Town team will face many difficulties on Da Nang's field. If they win all 3 points, Da Nang can escape the penultimate position and surpass their opponent in the standings.
Nam Dinh, a team highly rated for its force, has many opportunities to overcome Thanh Hoa - a team in a difficult period. In the first leg, the two teams drew 2-2 at Thanh Hoa stadium.
In the remaining two matches, the Ho Chi Minh City Police team has many opportunities to win against the bottom team PVF-CAND. In the first leg, the Ho Chi Minh City Police team won 2-1. In the remaining match, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City will host Hong Linh Ha Tinh at home. The home team at Go Dau Stadium aims for victory to regain the trust of home fans, after losing to The Cong Viettel 1-3 in the previous round.
