Hanoi vs Ha Tinh Police: Challenge of counterattack

The unbeaten streak in the V-League after 8 rounds put Hanoi Police in a proactive position, but the test at Hang Day at 7:15 p.m. on November 10 has a different nuance: Ha Tinh is an opponent with a tight defense, good at counter-attacking and once made Alexandre Polking and his team only collect 1 point after two home and away matches in the 2024/25 season.

Form and context before the match

Hanoi Police are maintaining a stable trajectory in the V-League: 6 wins, 2 draws after 8 rounds, with 20 points and temporarily ranked second. The team just experienced a narrow defeat against Macarthur FC in AFC Champions League 2, the result may have a psychological impact, but in the domestic framework, they are still a team that can impose the match.

On the other hand, Ha Tinh entered the match with a positive attitude after winning against Hoang Anh Gia Lai in round 10. Notably, they won all 6 points in the last 2 home matches, including a victory against Hanoi FC. The current picture shows that Nguyen Cong Manh's team is not afraid to face the top candidates.

Head-to-head statistics: Unsolved problems for CAHN

Recent history favors balance. In the 2024/25 season, despite possessing a strong force, Hanoi Police only earned 1 point after two meetings with Ha Tinh. This is the basis for the away team to believe in the familiar counter-attack plan, and at the same time is a reminder for Alexandre Polking to be patient and safe in the transition phase.

Tactics and Hotspots

Under Alexandre Polking, Hanoi Police prioritize ball control and pushing the team high. The 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation is likely to be used to promote the creativity of the midfield and the damage from the striker. With Le Van Do suspended, Minh Phuc could be the solution on the wing, supporting the pieces combined with Quang Hai and Van Duc.

Ha Tinh are likely to opt for a low-medium defensive structure with direct counter-attacks. A 5-3-2 or 4-4-2 formation will help them maintain a compact formation, prioritizing positional discipline before unleashing the speed of the strikers in transitions.

The midfield is the hot spot that determines the rhythm of the match. The collision between Hugo Gomes and Trong Hoang will greatly affect the ball possession and the number of times Hanoi Police can push the ball into the opponent's half of the field.

Personnel and expected lineup

The home team is missing Le Van Do due to a red card, affecting the depth on the wing. Ha Tinh has not recorded any significant injuries or suspensions, giving Nguyen Cong Manh many options for personnel arrangement.

Hanoi Police

Nguyen Filip, Dinh Trong, Hugo Gomes, Pendant Quang Vinh, Minh Phuc, Quang Hai, Stefan Ingo, Thanh Long, Dinh Bac, Van Duc, Alan.

Ha Tinh

Thanh Tung, Viet Trieu, Van Hanh, Helerson, Sy Hoang, Tan Tai, Trong Hoang, Onoja, Le Viktor, Trung Nguyen, Atshimene.

Players to watch

• Quang Hai (CAHN):Soul in attacking play, bringing innovation and long-range finishing.
• Alan (CAHN):Foreign striker with strength and ability to sweep, creating constant pressure on the opponent's defense.
• Trong Hoang (Ha Tinh):Experience and ability to read the game helped the away team keep the rhythm and organize counter-attacks.
• Atshimene (Ha Tinh):Possesses speed and the ability to seize opportunities, suitable for quick transitions.

Technical scenarios and predictions

Home field advantage, quality personnel and impressive V-League form help Hanoi Police control the game. However, Ha Tinh is a tough opponent, cold in counter-attacks and has a good recent head-to-head record. If CAHN does not improve the quality of transitional defense, the match could be dragged into a stalemate.

• CAHN can impose the ball and the test is to counter-attack.
• Ha Tinh prioritizes tight defense, waiting for an opportunity to change state.
• Midfield and second ball will be key to the tempo of the game.

Prediction: Hanoi Police 1-1 Ha Tinh.