Nam Dinh vs Long An: Xuan Son returns in the National Cup.

Nam Định will host Long An in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 National Cup at 6:00 PM on November 23rd at Thien Truong Stadium. The biggest highlight is the return of Nguyen Xuan Son – the striker who recently scored for the Vietnamese national team after nearly a year of injury treatment – ​​in the control-oriented 4-3-3 formation that coach Mauro Jeronimo wants to establish.

Match quick information

Form and context

Nam Dinh entered the match with major changes on the coaching bench after a seven-round winless streak in the V.League and inconsistent results in the AFC Champions League Two. The appointment of coach Mauro Jeronimo to take over the first team shows that the Nam Dinh team needs to change its operational approach immediately.

On the other hand, Long An is still struggling in the First Division. After 7 rounds, they only have 1 win. Although they recently relieved some pressure with a victory, instability remains the dominant feature in the early stages of the season.

Tactical Corner: Mauro's 4-3-3 and Long An's Low Block Problem

Nam Định will likely maintain a 4-3-3 formation with a focus on ball control. The flanks will be key areas of focus, with Văn Vĩ and Văn Kiên constantly attacking down the wing, exploiting the space behind Long An's defense. In midfield, Tuấn Anh and A Mít will play crucial roles in maintaining the tempo and supporting pressing immediately after losing possession, creating quick transitions for the attacking players up front.

Long An is expected to set up a low defensive block, concentrating players in front of the penalty area and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack through Trong Dai or Vu Em's runs down the flanks. The problem lies in their ability to withstand prolonged pressure from the home team and the high-pressure environment of Thien Truong Stadium.

Team News: Boosted by Xuan Son, Long An limits foreign players.

Nam Dinh received positive news with the return of Nguyen Xuan Son – who recently scored for the Vietnamese national team after nearly a year recovering from injury. His appearance strengthens the attacking line and boosts the morale of the home team.

Long An's side has almost their full squad available. However, playing with only one foreign player against an opponent with good physical fitness and a stable quality of foreign players is a significant challenge.

Triggers and hotspots

Nam Dinh's attacking focus revolves around Xuan Son: his ability to make runs, finish quickly, and set the pace for direct attacks. Romulo and Lam Ti Phong provide additional attacks from the center and flanks, helping the home team diversify their approach to the penalty area.

Long An relies on center-back Ivan for defensive organization and Trong Dai for orchestrating counter-attacks. However, their effectiveness depends on whether the midfield can withstand the pressing pressure.

Head-to-head statistics and home advantage

Despite rarely meeting in recent seasons, Nam Dinh usually holds the advantage when playing at Thien Truong Stadium against First Division representatives. Their squad quality, competitive environment, and V.League experience give them a clear edge.

Predicted lineup

• Nam Dinh:Nguyen Manh – Thanh Hao, Van Toi, Van Kien – Van Vi, Tuan Anh, A Mit – Romulo – Lam Ti Phong, Hoang Anh – Xuan Son
• Long An:Minh Duy – Anh Tài, Hoàng Mỹ, Ivan – Vũ Em, Tuấn Đạt, Hồng Sơn – Văn Trung – Đình Mạnh, Trọng Đại, Văn Soạn

Assessment

The impetus from the coaching staff change and home advantage put Nam Dinh in a proactive position. The return of Xuan Son along with the 4-3-3 system promises to bring a high attacking tempo and consistent pressing. Long An needs a near-perfect performance to hold their ground, but with their current inconsistent form, the risk of their structure collapsing under constant pressure is ever-present.

Forecast:Nam Dinh 3–0 Long An