Hanoi - Song Lam Nghe An: Blocking the path of the new champion

FATE AND DESTINY

Founded in 2006, Hanoi FC has made remarkable progress and become a powerhouse on the Vietnamese football map. In its first three years, the team, led by owner Do Quang Hien, achieved three promotions, won three V.League championships (matching SLNA's record), and finished as runner-up four times. The capital city team's youth development program and financial resources have also been a solid foundation for these successes.

Meanwhile, SLNA has always been considered a team with a rich tradition and has never been relegated. Even after a series of poor results at the beginning of the season, SLNA now has a chance to break into the Top 3 of the standings.

Matches between these two teams are always seen as epic battles, a clash of traditional and modern styles. For Hanoi, a victory would secure them the V.League title five rounds early. For SLNA, three points at Hang Day Stadium would be a resounding victory, a testament to the resurgence of Nghe An football after a successful year.

Hang Day Stadium before kick-off. Photo: HNFC

HISTORY OF HEAD-TO-HEAD MATCHES

In their last 21 encounters in the V.League, the two teams drew 10 times, Hanoi won 7, and SLNA won 4. However, in the last two years, SLNA has not won a single match against their "great rival". The only time the Nghe An team defeated Hanoi was in the Round of 16 of the 2017 National Cup, where the two teams drew 1-1 before going to a tense penalty shootout. In the first leg match at Vinh Stadium, Coach Duc Thang's team also suffered a 1-2 defeat against their opponents.

Considering their current form, SLNA has reason to be optimistic despite their recent 0-4 defeat to FLC Thanh Hoa in the National Cup. Hanoi FC, the home team, is currently an invincible force, comfortably sitting at the top of the table with 51 points, while SLNA only has 32 points with 8 consecutive wins in the V.League 2018.

In their last 5 V.League matches, SLNA conceded 8 goals. Meanwhile, Hanoi also showed defensive lapses with 10 goals conceded, not to mention the 3 goals conceded by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's ​​team against B. Binh Duong in the National Cup.

The home team boasts two extremely dangerous goalscorers: G. Oseni with 14 goals and Samson with 10. Meanwhile, the away team has Phan Van Duc with 9 goals and Olaha Michael with 7. The upcoming match is sure to be an open game with many goals scored.

SLNA fans are calling for the Hang Day Stadium to be covered in yellow. Photo: SLNA FC

FORCE SITUATION

At this time, the team playing at Hang Day Stadium also suffered many injuries. Specifically, players Thanh Chung and Hung Dung had to miss the rest of the season. Captain Van Quyet's injury required 2-3 weeks to recover. Players Dinh Trong, Duc Huy, Quang Hai, Duy Manh, and Van Hau played in the 2018 Asian Games with a high frequency of matches, which significantly depleted their physical condition.

However, Hanoi's reserve players are also of high quality, the gap in skill level isn't too large, and SLNA will also be without Pham Xuan Manh. Midfielder Phan Van Duc is still not in his best physical condition and form after the Asian Games. It wouldn't be surprising if in the upcoming match, both teams play offensively to compensate for their defensive losses.

PREDICTED LINEUP

Hanoi FC: Goalkeeper Van Cong, Dinh Trong, Duy Manh, Van Hau, Van Kien, Duc Huy, Moses, Quang Hai, Oseni, Van Thanh, Samson.

SLNA Club: Goalkeeper Vu Hai, Ngoc Duc, Ngoc Hai, Van Khanh, Dinh Hoang, Ngoc Toan, Khac Ngoc, Van Duc, Michael Olaha, Tuan Tai, Osmar Francisco

PREDICTION: 2-2

Hanoi FC faces a personnel disadvantage ahead of the match against SLNA.

(Baonghean.vn) - Not only SLNA, but also Hanoi FC, a contender for the V.League 2018 championship, is facing difficulties with its squad ahead of the match at Hang Day Stadium on September 9th.