CA TP.HCM vs Ninh Binh: The problem of the attack line at Thong Nhat
Ninh Binh leads V.League to travel to Thong Nhat without Duc Chien, Bao Toan and Le Ngoc Bao. HCM City Police have full force, placing their hopes on Tien Linh in the match at 7:15 p.m. on November 9.
Ninh Binh brought their unbeaten streak and the top spot to Thong Nhat, but lost three key players at the same time. CA TP.HCM has home field advantage and a full squad. The match at 7:15 p.m. on November 9 promises to be a test for the home team's attack and the championship contender's endurance.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Round 11 LPBank V.League 2025/26 |
| Time | 19:15 November 9 (Vietnam time) |
| Location | Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City |
Form and context: one side unbeaten, one side looking for a breakthrough
Ninh Binh is leading the table with a record of 7 wins - 3 draws, undefeated since the beginning of the season. That series of results puts them in the position of clear championship candidates. On the other hand, CA TP.HCM just beat SHB Da Nang 1-0 thanks to a goal in the 88th minute. The late victory boosted the home team's morale, but also showed that they still need a definitive solution to the final efficiency problem.
Recent confrontations: memories of penalty shootout at Thong Nhat
The two teams had met in the National Cup, when Ninh Binh won after a penalty shootout at Thong Nhat. That memory created a certain psychological advantage for the away team when they met again.
Forces: Ninh Binh lacks central axis, Ho Chi Minh City Police have full staff
Ninh Binh is without central midfielders Duc Chien and Bao Toan (both suspended due to 3 yellow cards), and central defender Le Ngoc Bao is injured. These are three key links in the midfield and defense. CA TP.HCM has the strongest force.
Tactics: central pressure and sideline speed
Ho Chi Minh City Police Department prioritizes quick status change
With a full squad and home field, CA TP.HCM is likely to operate a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focusing on defensive counter-attacks. When Ninh Binh lacks two central midfielders, the opportunity opens up for selective pressing: crowding the opponent's half of the field, stealing the ball, then quickly pushing to Tien Linh's position. Early openings and early crosses are direct options to exploit gaps in front of the away team's defense, which lacks a long-range shield.
Ninh Binh reinforces the midfield area, taking advantage of the border
The top team can switch to 4-1-4-1 or 3-5-2 to strengthen the middle layer. Without Duc Chien and Bao Toan, Hoang Duc's organizing and coordinating role becomes more central, while the speed of Geovane and Thanh Binh on the flanks promises to be the trigger. Quick wing rotations and penetration from the opponent's full-backs will be a promising direction of attack.
Hotspots: center, hallway and dead ball
- Center: The lack of personnel forced Ninh Binh to use young players in the middle of the field, which was an opportunity for CA TP.HCM to increase pressure and win the ball in zone 2.
- Wings: Geovane and Thanh Binh set a speed test for Kha Duc and Gia Bao; the home side need to discipline their position to avoid being hit from behind.
- Set pieces: With Ninh Binh lacking a centre-back and defensive midfielder, CA TP.HCM's corners and free kicks can make the difference.
Players to watch: conductor, center forward and stopper
- Hoang Duc (Ninh Binh): Conductor in the midfield, responsible for connecting and exploiting the gaps between the lines. Organizational pressure will be put on him when he lacks a familiar partner.
- Tien Linh (CA TP.HCM): The home team's target striker. His ability to choose a position and finish with one touch is the key to unlocking the away defense, especially in transition phases.
- Van Lam (Ninh Binh): Experience and command of the 16m50 area are important for a broken defense; the goalkeeper's reflexes and voice will help stabilize the defensive structure.
Expected lineup and diagram
Ho Chi Minh City Police Department
Le Giang – Kha Duc, Matheus, Gia Bao, Quang Hung – Hoang Phuc, Duc Huy, Duc Phu – Williams, Tien Linh, Makrillos.
Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Ninh Binh
Van Lam – Thanh Thinh, Marcelino, Hai Duc, Quang Nho – Hoang Duc, Ngoc Ha – Geovane, Daniel, Thanh Binh – Gustavo Henrique.
Formation: 4-1-4-1 or 3-5-2.
Impact and Prediction
Ninh Binh possesses the class and stability of a leading team, but the lack of three pillars can erode control of the midfield. CA TP.HCM, with full force and the support of Thong Nhat, is capable of creating a tight match, waiting for Tien Linh's moment or a set piece situation.
Prediction: CA TP.HCM 1-2 Ninh Binh.
