Top 5 contenders for the V.League 2022 championship.

1. Viettel

Viettel are the reigning champions. Photo: VPF

Despite having to part ways with three key players – Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyen Trong Hoang, and Vu Minh Tuan – the Army team's strength remains largely unaffected. Simply put, coach Truong Viet Hoang possesses a high-quality squad with a host of stars spread across all lines and positions.

Just look at the star-studded squad with players like Tran Nguyen Manh, Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Nguyen Duc Chien, Ho Khac Ngoc, Nguyen Hoang Duc... and every opponent will be wary. Don't forget, Coach Truong Viet Hoang's team is the reigning V.League champion. Therefore, for whatever reason, they cannot be underestimated.

2. Hanoi Club

The duo of players Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Hung Dung. Photo: VPF

As the most successful team in the V.League, the capital city team's goal this season is nothing less than reclaiming the championship from their neighbors Viettel. To achieve this goal, coach Park Choong-kyun needs to strengthen the squad, despite Hanoi FC already possessing a host of star players.

Alongside the squad overhaul plan, Chairman Hien's team also managed to bring in some quality new players. One of these domestic players is Vu Minh Tuan (Viettel).

Besides Vu Minh Tuan (Viettel), Nguyen Hai Long (Than Quang Ninh), Nguyen Van Vi and Pham Tuan Hai (Hong Linh Ha Tinh). Not to mention the presence of foreign player Josip Ivancic, valued at 18 billion VND.

3. Hoang Anh Gia Lai

Coach Kiatisuk is the brightest star of Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Photo: VPF

After missing out on the V.League 2021 championship, coach Kiatisuk and his team will undoubtedly be determined to "reclaim what they lost". With a quality squad of domestic players who have been together for a long time, the Pleiku-based team also boasts four highly-rated foreign players (Kim Dong-su, Barbosa, Brandao, and Jefferson).

Notably, on the coaching bench is coach Kiatisuk, a strategist with extensive knowledge of Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Vietnamese football. Certainly, the mission of "Zico Thai" and his players in the V.League 2022 is to win the championship, something the team from the mountain town hasn't achieved in the past 17 years since the 2004 season.

4. Topenland Binh Dinh

Topenland Binh Dinh has recruited 13 new players. Photo: Nguyen Dang

Backed by Topenland Group and Hung Thinh Land, the Quy Nhon-based team is dubbed the "Vietnamese PSG". To date, the team from Binh Dinh has recruited a total of 13 new players. The majority of them are national team players who have already proven their class in the V.League.

Notable players include Tran Dinh Trong, Ly Cong Hoang Anh, Nghiem Xuan Tu, Mac Hong Quan, Ha Duc Chinh, and Jeremie Lynch. Leading the Quy Nhon team is coach Nguyen Duc Thang, a highly regarded strategist who has previously made his mark as the head coach of Saigon FC and Thanh Hoa FC.

5. Lam River, Nghe An

The send-off ceremony for Song Lam Nghe An FC. Photo courtesy of Duc Anh.

"It's impossible to rule out Hanoi FC from the championship race; they are a very strong team. In my opinion, their form is only temporary, and when they return to form, they will be very strong. We respect all opponents, but if you ask about the teams capable of winning the cup, I think Viettel or SLNA (Song Lam Nghe An) are both very noteworthy," coach Kiatisuk commented.

This clearly shows how highly the Thai strategist rates Song Lam Nghe An. The return of Que Ngoc Hai, Tran Dinh Hoang, and Nguyen Trong Hoang has undoubtedly helped Song Lam Nghe An regain its status as a championship contender. It's worth noting that the goal set by the Song Lam Nghe An management for Coach Nguyen Huy Hoang's team in V.League 2022 was simply a top 3 finish.