SLNA - SHB Da Nang: Concerns about the attack
(Baonghean.vn) - Two consecutive losses against FLC Thanh Hoa and Hanoi FC have greatly affected the fighting spirit of coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team.
Therefore, the Nghe An team needs victories to find joy again. The match with SHB Da Nang in round 22 taking place at Vinh Stadium at 5:00 p.m. today (September 14) is no exception to that purpose.
Past statistics
Within just 4 days (5-9/9), SLNA and its fans had to experience disappointment when they received 2 defeats against FLC Thanh Hoa and Hanoi FC. The crushing 0-4 defeat in the second leg of the National Cup semi-final against the Thanh team, made coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team become former champions. The loss against Hanoi FC in round 21 of V.League, contributed to knocking SLNA out of the TOP 3.
The important task at this moment for Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates is nothing other than to quickly return to the winning track. Only victory can help coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team and SLNA fans overcome their sadness. At the same time, it will help the Nghe An team complete their goal of winning a place in the top 3 teams in V.League 2018.
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| Matches between SLNA and SHB Da Nang are often fierce and exciting. Photo: Internet |
SHB Da Nang is the first obstacle on the journey to "find themselves again" of coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team. Being able to face an opponent like SHB Da Nang in the current situation is a lucky thing for the Nghe An team.
In addition to the home field advantage, SLNA also has a better head-to-head record than their opponents. According to statistics, in the last 5 meetings between the two teams, the victory was overwhelmingly in favor of SLNA (4 wins, 1 draw).
This season, the Nghe An team has faced the Song Han team 3 times, coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team have achieved an undefeated record (1 draw, 2 wins).
SLNA defeated SHB Da Nang in both the first and second leg matches of the National Cup quarter-finals (3-1 and 2-0). Meanwhile, in the first leg of the V.League 2018 on June 3 at Hoa Xuan Stadium, the two teams drew 2-2.
Information about the force
Not only are they behind in terms of head-to-head record, the Han River team has also suffered a significant loss in terms of personnel. The main striker Do Merlo has officially left SHB Da Nang due to heart disease. Over the past time, the Argentine striker has been the “nemesis” of SLNA.
In the 2018 season alone, Do Merlo scored 2 goals against the Nghe team (first leg of the National Cup quarter-finals and first leg of the V.League). The absence of Do Merlo in the away team's attack is a joy for the Vinh team's defense. Without the 1m88 tall striker, the pressure on Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates will be less, especially in aerial situations.
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| SHB Da Nang will not have the services of striker Do Merlo. Photo: Internet |
That does not mean that, entering the battle with SHB Da Nang, coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team only have favorable factors. The duo of Vietnamese Olympic players Phan Van Duc - Pham Xuan Manh having to sit out of the match (injury) also greatly affects the strength of the Nghe An team. The importance of Manh "Kalou" and Duc "Cot" to SLNA is beyond discussion.
Furthermore, the situation of “blunt attack, poor defense” is a headache for Nguyen Duc Thang and his colleagues. 6 goals conceded and a series of mistakes in the 2 losses against FLC Thanh Hoa and Hanoi FC are enough to expose the fragility of the Vinh home team’s defense.
If they don't fix their shortcomings in time, Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates will make SLNA regret against the Han River team. Just look at their recent performances to see how harmless their attack is (180 minutes - 0 goals).
Despite the difficulties, with the home field advantage and a better head-to-head record, victory is unlikely to escape the hands of coach Nguyen Duc Thang and his team. Most likely, SLNA will win all 3 points and the joy will stay at Vinh Stadium./.
