Challenge Hoang Anh Gia Lai in round 3 of V.League

Challenge for Hoang Anh Gia Lai

LP Bank V.League 2024-2025 started with early surprises. After 2 rounds, Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Hong Linh Ha Tinh shared the top 2 positions with 6 full points. The only difference was the extra goal difference (+6 and +3). Surprisingly, last season, both teams had to run for their lives in the final stages to stay in the league, Hong Linh Ha Tinh even had to play the play-off.

This season, Mr. Vu Tien Thanh is no longer in the head coach's chair (shifted to the role of Technical Director), but people still see his role and influence when he is present in the team's technical area with coach Le Quang Trai. It must be admitted that the mountain town team has had positive changes since Mr. Vu Tien Thanh came to Pleiku stadium, however, experts still believe that round 3 will be a real challenge for the belief and ability of Minh Vuong and his teammates.

The second consecutive match was played at home, but unlike Song Lam Nghe An who are struggling, Hoang Anh Gia Lai's opponent was Thep Xanh Nam Dinh - the defending champion. After unexpectedly losing to Hong Linh Ha Tinh in round 1, Nam Dinh rose up with 2 consecutive wins: 2-0 at Lee Man Stadium in AFC Champions League 2 and 1-0 against Quang Nam.

Many people believe that, although Hong Linh Ha Tinh played well, they won 3 points against Nam Dinh partly because Rafaelson had not completed the naturalization procedure and could not play. Currently, with the name Nguyen Xuan Son, the threat has returned.

In the match in Pleiku last May, the Brazilian player was not registered by coach Vu Hong Viet, Nam Dinh returned with 1 point thanks to the equalizer of center back Lucas - the only foreign player used by the team from Thanh Nam. Therefore, the match on the afternoon of September 28 will be different, when Nam Dinh is in the middle of the rankings.

Hong Linh Ha Tinh to the top of the table?

If Hoang Anh Gia Lai does not win, Hong Linh Ha Tinh will have a chance to take the top spot. In contrast to Hoang Anh Gia Lai, round 3 is the second consecutive week that coach Nguyen Thanh Cong and his team have to play away. Although the match against Song Lam Nghe An is considered not easy due to the nature of the derby, it seems that the home team has not yet found a way to overcome the difficulties. Therefore, if they play as they have shown, Hong Linh Ha Tinh can take the top spot.

There are 3 clubs that can also threaten the top 2 positions: Becamex Binh Duong, The Cong Viettel and Ho Chi Minh City Club. The 3 teams currently have 4 points after 2 rounds. However, their schedules have different easy and difficult points.

The Cong had a favorable opening match at My Dinh Stadium with a comeback against Hanoi FC in round 2 (2-1) and they have a great chance to win another 3 points when hosting Quy Nhon Binh Dinh. The team from the land of Vo lost both matches at the beginning of the season, including the trip to the North to meet Hanoi FC on the opening day.

Meanwhile, Binh Duong also have to go to the North in this round, playing the latest match on Monday and being the guest against Hanoi Police Club. Although Quang Hai and his teammates have only 1 point after 2 rounds (1 draw, 1 loss), after winning 5-0 against Lion City in the Southeast Asian Cup C1, the team's fans hope for a change from this point on. As for Ho Chi Minh City Club, they will play at home against Hanoi FC, the team with 3 points and standing right behind the team named after Uncle Ho. Dong A Thanh Hoa vs Hai Phong is another notable match in round 3 this weekend.