Vietnam's strongest team: Xuan Son starts against Laos.
Coach Kim Sang Sik has called up 23 players for the match against Laos on November 18th; Xuan Son returns after 10 months and is expected to start in a 3-4-3 formation, with Hoang Duc and Le Pham Thanh Long as the central axis.
Xuan Son returns after a 10-month injury layoff and is likely to start when the Vietnamese national team faces Laos on November 18th in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The 23-player squad recently announced by coach Kim Sang Sik does not include any U23 players (due to participation in the SEA Games 33), allowing the South Korean coach to focus on a seasoned core of players and a forward who has been waiting a long time to shine.
The expected strongest lineup and power axis.
Based on the squad list and the personnel arrangement in each line, the Vietnamese national team will most likely operate in a 3-4-3 formation with the midfield orchestrated by Hoang Duc and Le Pham Thanh Long, and the central attacking spearhead being Xuan Son.
Goalkeeper: Dang Van Lam
With Filip Nguyen not being called up and Tran Trung Kien busy with the U23 team, Van Lam is the optimal choice in goal. While there are still doubts about his ball-playing ability, his experience and reflexes are a clear advantage in a match where safety is crucial.
Center backs: Bui Tien Dung – Thanh Chung – Duy Manh
In a crucial position like the defense, solidity remains the priority. The trio who competed in the 2024 AFF Cup bring stability and experience. Notably, Thanh Chung returns after a period of not being called up due to form, having been the best central defender for the Vietnamese national team at the 2024 AFF Cup and is now expected to regain his starting spot.
Two lines: Pendant Quang Vinh – Truong Tien Anh
The left wing is the main attacking threat thanks to Pendant Quang Vinh's mobility, ability to create breakthroughs, and crosses. Other competing options include Van Vi and Phan Tuan Tai. On the right wing, Truong Tien Anh provides consistency in both attack and defense. Le Van Do has been called up, but it's difficult for him to compete given Tien Anh's good form.
Center: Hoang Duc – Le Pham Thanh Long
Hoang Duc is an irreplaceable conductor, responsible for setting the tempo and distributing the ball. In the absence of a true defensive midfielder to provide cover, Le Pham Thanh Long is well-suited to the role of a shuttle, ensuring a balance between shielding the midfield and supporting the attack, rather than attack-oriented options like Quang Hai or Bao Toan.
Attacking line-up: Van Vi – Xuan Son – Hai Long
According to the VFF, Xuan Son has fully recovered, is ready to return after 10 months, and is fit enough to start. On the left, Van Vi – originally a wing-back – has good chemistry with Xuan Son and tends to provide strong attacking support. On the other flank, Hai Long is a versatile attacking player: he can drop deep to support the midfield or become a playmaker in the half-space, thereby creating more opportunities for the number 9.
Why 3-4-3?
The personnel structure, with three central defenders, two wing-backs, a pair of central midfielders, and a three-man attacking line, suggests a 3-4-3 formation. From there, the left wing – where Pendant Quang Vinh operates – is defined as the main attacking direction, aiming to create numerous crosses towards Xuan Son. On the right, Truong Tien Anh ensures width and transitions, while Thanh Long acts as a "hinge" covering gaps when the wing-back pushes forward.
The potential drawback lies in his ability to escape pressing from the first line, as Van Lam is not the type of goalkeeper who plays with strong feet; therefore, the proactive role of the two wide center-backs (Duy Manh - Bui Tien Dung) in opening up passing angles and choosing positions to receive the ball will be a tactical safety factor.
Forces and context
This 23-player squad does not include the U23 group due to their preparations for the 33rd SEA Games. Despite some new players, the core remains comprised of experienced names like Hoang Duc, Duy Manh, Bui Tien Dung, along with the notable return of Xuan Son in the attack. The match against Laos will take place on November 18th as part of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Predicted lineup by position
| Route | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Dang Van Lam |
| Central defender (3) | Bui Tien Dung – Thanh Chung – Duy Manh |
| Border (2) | Pendant Quang Vinh – Truong Tien Anh |
| Central midfielder (2) | Hoang Duc - Le Pham Thanh Long |
| Forward (3) | Van Vi – Xuan Son – Hai Long |
The highlight to look forward to.
- Xuan Son returns after 10 months: new energy for the number 9 role.
- Left wing effort: Pendant Quang Vinh created a breakthrough, combining with Van Vi.
- The central axis is balanced: Hoang Duc sets the tempo, and Thanh Long acts as a shuttle in the absence of a true defensive anchor.
- Three-centre-back defense: restoring stability from the 2024 AFF Cup, with Thanh Chung's return.
The November 18th match against Laos is therefore not only an opening game of the campaign, but also a test run for the 3-4-3 formation centered around playmaker Hoang Duc and striker Xuan Son – promising pieces that will shape the playing style of the Vietnamese national team in the coming period.
