SLNA vs. Than Quang Ninh: Will the home team win?

(Baonghean.vn) - The Nghe An team will begin the second half of the 2017 V.League season by hosting Phan Thanh Hung's team at Vinh Stadium on Saturday afternoon, June 24th.

» V.League Round 14: Than Quang Ninh confident, SLNA cautious

Three consecutive victories in the National Cup against Hanoi FC and Ho Chi Minh City (2 matches) have given coach Nguyen Duc Thang's team more confidence, especially considering they only have one foreign player, Olaha, in their squad. The extended break of nearly two months served as a foundation for the SLNA coaching staff to create cohesion between positions, lines, and between key players and reserves.

Observing the performance of the Nghe An team in the last three matches, everyone noticed the bright colors in the spirit of each player. Olaha has undergone a transformation after a disappointing period; Phi Son still maintains his cunning in dribbling and creating chances; Ngoc Hai is regaining his former class as a top Vietnamese center-back; and reserve players like Phuc Tinh, Van Duc, Thanh Phong... have all shown significant progress.

Defender Hoang Van Khanh is unable to play due to accumulating three yellow cards. Photo: archival material.

It's been a long time since fans in Nghe An have felt such positive signs from their team. Besides SLNA securing a place in the semi-finals, the news of "maestro" Khac Ngoc's decision to stay at Vinh Stadium for another two years has further boosted the morale of the SLNA players. In addition, the return of key players like Dinh Hoang, Manh Hung, Ngoc Toan, etc., will further increase the confidence of the entire team.

Facing a tough opponent like Than Quang Ninh is a crucial test to verify the true strength of Nguyen Duc Thang's team. Home advantage often proves beneficial for teams when they are in control.

Statistics from the last 5 matches between the two teams show that the home team has won every time (SLNA won 2 times, Than Quang Ninh won 3 times). In the first leg match at Cam Pha Stadium, the Than Quang Ninh team defeated SLNA with a score of 2-1.

However, in this match, the home team in Vinh faces a significant disadvantage compared to their opponent. The trio of Van Khanh, Sy Nam, and Van Vinh will be unable to play due to accumulating too many yellow cards, leaving the Nghe An team's defense considerably vulnerable. Since the beginning of the season, SLNA's defensive capabilities have not been highly rated, with numerous silly mistakes. Meanwhile, Than Quang Ninh's attack is extremely dangerous, with their two leading players being Patiyo and Dyachenko.

Moreover, being able to field only foreign player Olaha, SLNA will face significant difficulties as their opponent, coach Phan Thanh Hung, is free to use all three of his foreign players (including naturalized players). In a league like the V.League, where teams rely heavily on foreign players, a difference of "one foreign player" can decide the entire match. Clearly, Than Quang Ninh has the edge over SLNA in terms of foreign players.

After half a season playing for Ho Chi Minh City FC, Dyachenko (in the blue shirt) has returned to play for Than Quang Ninh. Photo: Internet.

Moreover, Than Quang Ninh's domestic squad is also quite formidable, featuring players like Minh Tuan, Xuan Tu, Hai Huy, Mac Hong Quan, Tuan Linh, etc. These are all players who have proven their abilities in recent times, both at the club and national team levels. More than ever, the team from the mining region is eager to win against SLNA right on their home ground in Vinh, to atone for their disappointment with the home fans after being knocked out of the National Cup by SHB Da Nang.

Nevertheless, fans in Nghe An province are still hopeful about their team's form and history, as in the last two matches against Than Quang Ninh at their home ground, the Nghe An team secured all three points. Will SLNA be able to repeat that victory this time?

Thanh Hung