Pre-match information
Ho Chi Minh City Police started the new season with a home game against Hanoi FC. This is also an opportunity for the Police sector team to re-examine their ability after the National Super Cup match was not as expected.
In that match, coach Diles Athanasios Arthur's team lost 0-5, and also showed many problems in the playing style, especially the defense system when gaps continuously appeared. Meanwhile, the attack has not shown sharpness.
Compared to last season, the Ho Chi Minh City Police force has had many changes. This team will have to allocate personnel to three fronts including V.League, National Cup and Southeast Asian club tournaments. Therefore, the match against Hanoi FC may be the first measure of the preparation process of the reigning National Cup champion.
On the other side, Hanoi FC enters the season with a familiar goal of the championship race. The Capital team expects coach Harry Kewell to help the team improve their ability to enter the game, which was once limited in previous seasons.
Head-to-head history leans towards Hanoi FC, but Ho Chi Minh City Police once created a surprise. Right in the opening round of last season's V.League, Hanoi once lost 1-2 at Thong Nhat Stadium.
