Song Lam Nghe An vs Hong Linh Ha Tinh: Derby of equal strength

On the afternoon of May 20, the Nghe Tinh Derby between SLNA - Hong Linh Ha Tinh promises to bring fans an exciting match.

The 3-1 victory over Hoang Anh Gia Lai ended the winless streak of coach Huy Hoang's team. With 8 points after 7 matches, the Nghe An team is temporarily ranked 9th on the rankings. AndLam River Nghe Anwill have to try very hard in the remaining stages to be able to be in the Top 8 after stage 1 ends.

Song Lam Nghe An had their first victory of this year's season. Photo: Xuan Thuy

The first challenge for the Nghe An team is their neighbor Hong Linh Ha Tinh. Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong and his team have played quite well in the past period of the season. They had 2 impressive victories against Becamex Binh Duong and Hai Phong Club. Along with that are 2 draws against teams that are considered stronger such as Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Viettel Club. It is clear that Hong Linh Ha Tinh this season is showing a style of play that knows itself and is ready to cause difficulties for all opponents.

In this match, coach Nguyen Thanh Cong and his team will definitely play solidly on their home field to wait for counter-attack opportunities. The mainstay of the defense ofHong Linh Ha Tinhwill still be center back Janclesio Almeida Santos. The Brazilian center back is not only a rock in the defense but also a dangerous attacking option for Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong in set pieces. However, the speed and slowness of this center back wearing the number 14 shirt will be an opportunity for Soladio and Olaha to exploit.

Center back Janclesio will still be the rock in Hong Linh Ha Tinh's defense. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Besides, the possibility of playing of central defender Nguyen Ngoc Thang after returning from the SEA Games will also be a concern for Hong Linh Ha Tinh. This 21-year-old central defender has shown remarkable maturity, helping to strengthen Hong Linh Ha Tinh's defense this season. If Nguyen Ngoc Thang is absent, it will be a pity for coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team.

Song Lam Nghe An side will also face similar problems with the duo Dinh Xuan Tien andHo Van CuongHowever, coach Huy Hoang will still have options to replace this duo. That is Mai Sy Hoang or Vuong Van Huy will take charge of the left wing so that Tran Dinh Hoang can play on the familiar right wing. That is Tran Nam Hai will play in the exact position left by Dinh Xuan Tien.

After the positive changes of the Nghe An team in the last 3 matches, coach Huy Hoang will probably keep the same playing style of Song Lam Nghe An in this match. That is the 5-3-2 formation with captain Que Ngoc Hai, Vytas Gaspuitis and Thai Ba Sang playing in the center-back position. However, the defense of Song Lam Nghe An will have a hard day when facing the strong foreign duo of Hong Linh Ha Tinh. The highlight is striker Diallo Abdoulaye, who has 4 goals and 1 assist this season. Meanwhile, Brazilian player Jose Paulo Pinto was the one who scored a double against Song Lam Nghe An last season. The defense of the Nghe An team will have to concentrate to neutralize this dangerous duo.

In addition, midfielder Pham Xuan Manh and his teammates will also have to pay special attention to conductor Dinh Thanh Trung of Hong Linh Ha Tinh. This midfielder wearing the number 7 shirt is the source of inspiration in the attacks of coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team.

Midfielder Pham Xuan Manh is still playing very well this season. Photo: Xuan Thuy

However, with recent performances, Song Lam Nghe An can completely dominate Hong Linh Ha Tinh. With the freedom of captain Que Ngoc Hai, it brings efficiency on both offensive and defensive fronts. Along with that is the mobility of the full-back duo, which helps the flank attacks become sharper. And the enthusiasm of Xuan Manh, Trong Hoang, Dinh Xuan Tien helps the midfield of the Nghe team overwhelm the opponent's midfield. These are the positive changes that help the Nghe team dominate Becamex Binh Duong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai in recent home matches.

In addition, the understanding between the duo Olaha and Soladio is increasing with each match, helping Song Lam Nghe An's attack create many clear opportunities. The point that needs the most improvement of this foreign duo is the refinement in the final finishing situations to achieve the highest efficiency. After 7 matches, Olaha and Soladio have scored 5 goals and had 3 assists. And hopefully this foreign duo will continue to improve their achievements in the upcoming matches.

The foreign duo will continue to shine to bring victory to Song Lam Nghe An. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Last season, Song Lam Nghe An had 1 win and 1 draw against Hong Linh Ha Tinh. In the upcoming Nghe Tinh Derby, the home field advantage will be a great advantage to help coach Huy Hoang and his team have a favorable result against coach Nguyen Thanh Cong and his team. Especially whenNghe An football teamare unbeaten after 4 matches played at Vinh Stadium this season. Hopefully, Song Lam Nghe An will continue to have a second consecutive victory, thereby improving their position on the V.League 2023 rankings.