SLNA arrives at Thien Truong Stadium to settle an old score.

Many experts believe that the playing styles of SLNA and Nam Định are quite similar, with the only difference being that the players from Nghe An province have a slight edge in terms of technical ability. Historically, the two teams have met 7 times, with SLNA winning 4, Nam Định winning 3, and no draws.

Most recently, the two teams met at Vinh Stadium in Round 7 of the V-League 2018, and Nam Dinh emerged victorious. This win against SLNA was Nam Dinh's first victory of the season up to that point. The single goal scored by midfielder Sy Minh was a bitter pill for SLNA fans and players to swallow.

Sy Minh - a memorable name

Coach Nguyen Van Sy made no secret of his intentions: “The gap between Nam Dinh and the teams ranked 9th, 10th, or even lower is only about 1-2 wins. We have to be careful with every match, especially home games, to secure a safe number of points and achieve our goal of avoiding relegation.”

The team based at Thien Truong Stadium has just signed a contract with foreign player Diogo Junior Pereira. The 27-year-old player boasts an impressive height of 1.84m and possesses a very impressive technical foundation, typical of a South American player.

Diogo Junior Pereira primarily played in his native Brazil before joining B.Binh Duong and SHB.Da Nang. His performances were unimpressive, leading to his dismissal and departure from Hoa Xuan Stadium to Nam Dinh, where he joined the newly promoted team in their fight against relegation.

Le Sy Minh was named GOAL's Player of the Month for June. Photo: Goal

However, Nam Dinh's greatest hope rests on midfielder number 93. Le Sy Minh has excellently received the Player of the Month award for June as voted by GOAL after shining brightly in Nam Dinh's six matches. Sy Minh's outstanding performance in the team's four consecutive winning matches this month is a testament to his influence.

From June 3rd, during the match against FLC Thanh Hoa, until last weekend, the 25-year-old midfielder contributed 3 goals and 4 assists for his team (if counting from the beginning of the season, he has scored 6 goals) - equivalent to about 65% of Nam Dinh's total goals for the month.

This figure becomes even more significant considering that Nam Dinh won 3 out of those 6 matches, suffering only one defeat. With 11 points earned, Nam Dinh rose from last place to 13th.

With his knack for scoring against Vu Hai, Sy Minh is the player the visiting team must be most wary of if they want to get any points from Thien Truong Stadium. His powerful and accurate long-range shots are his greatest strength.

Still using the tactic of "using domestic players to attract foreign players".

SLNA has just unveiled its second foreign player, Jeremie Dwayne Lynch, a Jamaican striker born in 1991, standing 1.85m tall. He previously played for Portmore United in the Jamaican National League, scoring 10 goals in 30 matches.

With Jeremie on the pitch, SLNA had an additional attacking option. In fact, on the Lạch Tray stadium, when the Olaha-Jeremie duo played together, drawing in opposing defenders, Văn Đức had a chance to score.

Statistics on head-to-head results between Nam Dinh and SLNA.

Van Binh's return to Vinh Stadium significantly strengthens SLNA's defensive capabilities. One of the factors contributing to SLNA's victory at Lach Tray Stadium was the presence of this number 15 midfielder. In the defense, Xuan Manh will be sidelined (due to a suspension), so Que Ngoc Hai is working hard to recover in time to play.

While the home team has Sy Minh, the visiting team from Nghe An has midfielder Van Duc, who is also playing exceptionally well. Phan Van Duc is currently the top scorer for Song Lam Nghe An with 8 goals in 13 matches. The U23 Vietnam national team player is also the best domestic striker to date.

Van Duc's speed, ability to score with both feet, and aerial prowess are his strengths. With these personnel advantages, SLNA is determined to settle the score against the Nam Dinh team. Furthermore, it seems the SLNA coaching staff is holding back Tuan Tai for this revenge match?