Can SLNA escape the 'reverse final'?

Among SLNA’s three opponents, Than Quang Ninh is rated higher, and has the home field advantage. HAGL is considered a “favorite opponent” for a long time for the Nghe team, while the Hai Phong team is considered an “unknown factor” that is currently at the bottom of the rankings. In fact, for those who understand the Nghe team, if SLNA does not make it into the top 8 and has to go to the “reverse final” it is quite normal.

SLNA's opponents

The worrying thing compared to the 3 opponents is that the form of SLNA players in recent times is not good. In the last 5 matches, SLNA lost 4 and drew 1, their form has gradually declined, even worse than Hai Phong, lost 3, drew 1 and won 1. The common point of both SLNA and Hai Phong is that the scoring form of the players is quite bad, the number of goals of these 2 teams combined is less than both HAGL and Than Quang Ninh. The common point of all 4 teams is that they are not strong in defense, in which SLNA is always at a disadvantage in aerial battles and meets foreign players with a dominating style of play, strong in pressing.

There is still one home match left, but unlike Nam Dinh, the Nghe team is not as enthusiastically supported as the team from Thanh Nam. Recently, when Nam Dinh played at Thong Nhat Stadium, a fan generously gave the team 200 million VND. Meanwhile, Vinh Stadium is alarmingly deserted every time SLNA plays. SLNA's performance on the field also makes many loyal fans give up. This is a huge disadvantage compared to the lower-ranked teams, the fans of Hai Phong and Ha Tinh are extremely enthusiastic.

SLNA foreign players are rated the worst in V.League 2020. Photo: VPF

Currently, Brazilian striker Felipe Martins has been considered by SLNA to replace Alagie Sosseh as a solution. SLNA's foreign striker pair Alagie Sosseh and Peter Samuel have not scored a single goal. But no one can guarantee that Felipe Martins and Peter will score a few more goals against Than Quang Ninh, HAGL and Hai Phong. Simply, when playing for HAGL, this foreign player only scored 3 goals in 10 matches.

Key

Tuan Tai's form is quite impressive, 3 goals in 3 consecutive matches. But that alone is not enough for SLNA to earn 7 points to surpass Thanh Hoa and SHB.Da Nang. The match schedule of the Nghe team is considered more favorable than Thanh Hoa and SHB.Da Nang, the key is to get points at Cam Pha Stadium. Thanh Hoa will likely get points in the match to welcome HAGL and can increase the gap of 2 points with SLNA.

SLNA's coaching staff needs mental therapy to help players escape the spiral early when playing phase 2. Photo: VPF.

Currently in 10th place, still trying to play with the style of "while there is life, there is hope", but it is time for SLNA's coaching staff to consider option 2. SLNA's coaching staff needs mental therapy for the players to escape the spiral early when playing phase 2, because the Nghe An team does not have much budget to strengthen its force like other teams.