Hoang Anh Gia Lai – the team that struggled last season – faces many doubts about their squad and performance in the 2024-2025 season. However, in the first match, the team from the mountain town caused a surprise when they defeated Quang Nam 4-0 away. This was the biggest victory of round 1, helping Hoang Anh Gia Lai temporarily lead the table.
This victory means a lot to coach Le Quang Trai and his team. It shows that the team spirit is very good. Foreign striker Silva Marciel scored a double, but more importantly, Tran Gia Bao - just over 16 years old also scored for Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
With that, Hoang Anh Gia Lai confidently welcomed Song Lam Nghe An at home. The Nghe team drew 0-0 with Da Nang in the opening match. This was an acceptable result for Song Lam Nghe An in the context that they played with one less player from the 65th minute, after the red card of center back Eduardo Zaracho.
Coach Pham Anh Tuan's team will not have the services of many players at Pleiku Stadium such as Zaracho, Tran Dinh Hoang, Le Nguyen Hoang... That will bring more challenges to Song Lam Nghe An, in the context that the team's playing style still has many limitations.
In terms of form, Hoang Anh Gia Lai won 3, drew 1 and lost 1 in the last 5 matches. Meanwhile, Song Lam Nghe An won 1, drew 2 and lost 2 in the last 5 matches. However, in terms of head-to-head record, Song Lam Nghe An is superior to its opponent with 4 wins and 1 loss in the last 5 matches.
In the match at Pleiku Stadium last season, Hoang Anh Gia Lai won 1-0.
The match Hoang Anh Gia Lai vs Song Lam Nghe An will take place at 5:00 p.m. on September 21.
Expected lineup of 2 teams:
Hoang Anh Gia Lai: Trung Kien; Van Son, Ly Duc, Thanh Son, Ngoc Quang, Jeferson, Bao Toan, Marciel, Filho, Du Hoc, Quang Nho.
Song Lam Nghe An: Van Viet, Van Huy, Le Van Thanh, Thanh Duc, Quang Vinh, Van Luong, Long Vu, Xuan Binh, Quang Tu, Olaha, Thomas Kuku, Khac Luong.
Score prediction: Hoang Anh Gia Lai 2-0 Song Lam Nghe An.
