SLNA - Hanoi FC: One at the top, the other at the bottom

The current situation between SLNA and Hanoi FC is completely opposite. The 0-1 loss to HAGL at Pleiku Stadium in round 9 caused coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team to continue to stay at the second-to-last position on the rankings.

Since the victory over Ho Chi Minh City Club (2-0) on April 5, SLNA has only known draws (2 matches) and losses (2 matches) in the V.League. It is worth mentioning that up to this point, SLNA has not had a single win in this year's V.League when playing at Vinh Stadium.

Unlike the home team SLNA, Hanoi FC is flying high on the rankings (top), with 23 points and very impressive performance. Not only do they monopolize the number 1 position in the championship race (23 points), Hanoi FC also surpasses other opponents in all statistical indicators.

After 9 rounds, they are the team with the most goals (25 goals), the fewest goals conceded (6 goals), and Oseni is leading the list of top scorers (11 goals)...

Admittedly, Hanoi FC is a “destructive machine” this season. From defense to attack, from the field to the bench, all are quality players.

Foreign players include Oseni and Moses; experienced players include Thanh Luong and Van Quyet; young and talented players include Quang Hai, Duy Manh, Dinh Trong, Huu Dung, and Van Hau… Through that, it can be affirmed that no team in V.League has an elite and deep force like Hanoi FC. What Van Quyet and his teammates are showing is clear proof.

Hanoi FC is showing its terrible strength. Photo: Internet

After Hai Phong, HAGL, SHB Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City Club… became defeated, now it is the turn of the strong candidate FLC Thanh Hoa to fall under the power of Hanoi FC. It seems that stopping the rapid progress of coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his team at this time is extremely difficult.

The excellence of each player and the diversity in the playing style that coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his colleagues have built make it difficult for opponents to find a way to successfully counter the capital team.

Whenever Oseni failed to score, Van Quyet, Huu Dung, Quang Hai, Van Dai… played the role of hero. Whenever the offense was powerless to score, the defense with Duy Manh, Van Hau, Van Kien… was ready to shine.

Whenever the pillars were completely neutralized, the backup players like Thanh Chung, Thai Quy... took turns speaking up. Even the fact that coach Chu Dinh Nghiem was banned from coaching did not affect the performance of the Hang Day home team much.

Center back Van Khanh suffered a serious injury in the match against HAGL. Photo courtesy

Having to host such a dangerous opponent in the current situation, SLNA's chances of winning points are quite slim. In addition to the home field advantage, coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team are inferior to their opponents in other factors (form, strength, etc.).

Meanwhile, Hanoi FC welcomed the return of captain Thanh Luong, SLNA did not have the service of central defender Van Khanh (injured). Moreover, in the last 2 away trips to Vinh Stadium to play as guests of SLNA, Hanoi FC returned with absolute points.

However, the statistics are for reference only. In football, the element of surprise cannot be underestimated. The Nghe team is not rated as highly as Hanoi FC, but coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team still have a chance to win. If the coaching staff applies reasonable tactics and the players play at more than 100% of their form, the Vinh team will have at least 1 point in this match./.