Chairman Nguyen Huu Thang's team lost its 'conductor' in the match against SLNA

Putting the disappointments of last season behind him, Van Thuan has been working hard every day to prove his return. Coach Chung Hae-seong brought Ngo Hoang Thinh to Thong Nhat Stadium to play alongside Van Thuan in the midfield and the two have coordinated very well, completely dominating the midfield. Van Thuan's wide horizontal range covers the space behind Hoang Thinh, creating opportunities for the midfielder wearing the number 14 shirt to move into the open spaces to share the ball with the forward line.

The return of Van Thuan once helped Ho Chi Minh City easily win against Than Quang Ninh. Photo: VPF

It can be said that up to now, the position of Ho Chi Minh City depends largely on the contribution of the midfielder from Hanoi. However, since the return leg, Van Thuan has continuously received penalty cards and been absent at important moments when the team from the city named after Uncle Ho is in a tense race for the top spot.

The red card he received in the match against the capital team in round 18 caused this player to miss the 2 matches against Quang Nam and Khanh Hoa. Without Van Thuan in the squad, Ho Chi Minh City was unexpectedly defeated by 2 teams at the bottom of the table and let Hanoi leave them far behind with a gap of 5 points.

When he returned in round 21, Van Thuan's presence helped the second team on the rankings easily get 3 points with a 3-1 victory over Than Quang Ninh at home. However, in this match, the midfielder wearing shirt number 14 received a yellow card and this was also the reason why Van Thuan was not allowed to play in the away match at Vinh Stadium because he had received 3 yellow cards. The 2 previous yellow cards of this midfielder came from the matches against Khanh Hoa and SHB Da Nang.

Due to receiving 3 yellow cards, Van Thuan could not participate in the away match of Ho Chi Minh City at Vinh Stadium. Photo: VPF

The absence of Van Thuan will make Ho Chi Minh City's away match against SLNA more difficult during the tense period of the season. Despite Van Thuan's absence, Ho Chi Minh City will welcome the return of Phi Son as the Nghe An midfielder has fully recovered from his injury and can play in the 22nd round. On the opposite side, the home team SLNA also cannot have the service of striker Vinicius due to the terms between the two sides in the loan contract.

Apart from the unfortunate absences, both teams have their strongest squads in this important match. While Ho Chi Minh City is eager to get 3 points in the hope of narrowing the gap with Hanoi, SLNA also needs a win to continue maintaining its position in the top 4./.