Lam River, Nghe An: Ahead lies a raging storm.
Coach Phan Như Thuật and his team suffered a comprehensive 0-3 defeat against Hanoi FC in Round 12 of the V.League 2024/2025.
Despite having to play at Hang Day Stadium,Lam River, Nghe AnThe team is still highly rated by experts in terms of its chances of winning. Simply put, the capital city team doesn't have its strongest squad due to the absence of several key players such as Vu Dinh Hai and Pham Tuan Hai.
Furthermore, Hanoi FC is also facing a crisis with two consecutive defeats against Hoang Anh Gia Lai (0-1) and Thep Xanh Nam Dinh (1-2). Not to mention, the coaching staff now includes interim coach Hoang Van Phuc after coach Le Duc Tuan was sacked.
Unfortunately, Michael Olaha and his teammates were unable to capitalize on their advantage. The deadlock in attack and the fatal mistakes in defense led to the Nghe An team suffering a humiliating 0-3 defeat.
Failing to secure any points in their away match against Hanoi FC, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team has fallen back to second-to-last place in the standings. In fact, the gap between them and the team immediately behind them, SHB Da Nang, has narrowed to just 2 points (9 compared to 7).
In the next round, Michael Olaha and his teammates will host Hai Phong. Currently, the Hai Phong team is in impressive form with a streak of 4 consecutive unbeaten matches. Specifically, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team has earned 10 out of a possible 12 points (3 wins, 1 draw).
According to statistics, in their two most recent visits to the "Vinh Stadium cauldron," Hai Phong managed to draw against the Nghe An team (1-1 in V.League 2023 and 0-0 in V.League 2023/2024). This shows that Vinh Stadium is not an easy place for coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's team to visit and return from.
Clearly, Song Lam Nghe An faces a formidable challenge from Hai Phong. Hopefully, Michael Olaha and his teammates will have a smooth ride. The match between Song Lam Nghe An and Hai Phong in Round 13 of the V.League 2024/2025 will take place at 6 PM on February 15th.