On the rankings, the two teams have the same points. Quang Nam is ranked 9th, 1 place higher than its opponent due to a better secondary index. The match between Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Nam is one of the most notable matches in round 5, between two teams in the bottom half of the rankings.
Ho Chi Minh City team started the season impressively, drawing with The Cong Viettel and defeating Quy Nhon Binh Dinh. However, in the last two rounds, coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team did not play well. They lost to Hanoi FC 0-2 and Binh Duong 0-3.
On the contrary, Quang Nam is showing better form. Mr. Van Sy Son's team lost to Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Nam Dinh in the first two rounds. This result is not surprising because the two opponents above are much better than Quang Nam. However, in the most recent round, Quang Nam played much better, defeating Da Nang team and sharing points with Hong Linh Ha Tinh.
Including the National Cup qualifiers, the Ho Chi Minh City team has lost 3 consecutive matches. The problem of the Thong Nhat Stadium team lies in both attack and defense. Up front, the team's strikers did not play well, not taking advantage of the opportunities created. In defense, the team said goodbye to a series of important players such as Tung Quoc, Van Kien, Minh Tung..., thereby no longer showing the same solidity as last season.
The match against Quang Nam is a good opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to end its streak of bad matches. In terms of strength, Mr. Van Sy Son's team cannot compete with the home team. Besides, Ho Chi Minh City team also has the home field advantage and the support of home fans.
The head-to-head record also favors the home team Thong Nhat Stadium. In the last 5 meetings, HCMC has 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss against Quang Nam. Last season, HCMC drew 1-1 with Quang Nam away and won 1-0 at home.
Expected lineup:
HCMC: Patrik Le Giang, Viet Hoang, Hoang Phuc, Andriano Schmidt, Thanh Thao, Ha Long, Thanh Long, Huy Toan, Minh Trung, Endric, Erik.
Quang Nam: Van Cong, Cong Thanh, Tien Long, Ngoc Hiep, Trung Phong, Duy Duong, Van Toan, Ngoc Tien, Van Hiep, Samson, Ashimene.
