Quang Ninh Coal - Song Lam Nghe An: No way back

According to the situation on the V.League 2020 rankings, the 3 teams facing the most difficulties at the moment are Quang Nam, Hai Phong, DNH Nam Dinh when these teams only have 7 - 9 points respectively. Ranked right above are HL Ha Tinh (11 points) and SLNA but coach Ngo Quang Truong's team has 12 points. Therefore, with only 3 matches left in the first leg, all 5 of these teams are in the high-risk group of having to play relegation.

In the match on July 23, DNH Nam Dinh had a 1-1 draw against B. Binh Duong, the Viettel-SHB Da Nang match also had a similar result. At home, Thanh Hoa drew with HAGL 0-0. Thus, if they win, SLNA is completely capable of returning to the Top 8.

SLNA is going through the worst days of V.League 2020 with 5 matches without a win, 1 draw and 4 losses. Meanwhile, Than Quang Ninh is in a different position with 16 points after 5 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses, ranked 5th. A relatively safe position.

SLNA is in a corner, forced to win against Quang Ninh to improve their score as the first leg of V.League is coming to an end. Photo: TK

In the past, SLNA and Than Quang Ninh met a total of 13 times. History still favors the Nghe team with 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses. However, at Cam Pha Stadium, SLNA only had 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses.

Although the away team has been without Hai Huy for a long time, they still have an extremely dangerous striker pair, Jeremie Lynch and Diego Fagan. The two former SLNA players have scored 8 goals for Than Quang Ninh up to this point, more than the combined scoring record of all SLNA players (7).

The difficulties are even more complicated for SLNA when the injury list now includes Tran Dinh Dong, in addition to Hoang Van Khanh, Pham Xuan Manh, Cao Xuan Thang, Vuong Quoc Trung. The fact that the defense is constantly being breached and has conceded 11 goals in the last 5 winless matches makes Nghe An fans unable to rest assured.

Foreign player Martins will make his debut for SLNA in the match against Quang Ninh. Photo: Duc Anh

In the context that two foreign players Alagie Sosseh and Peter Samuel have not scored a single goal after 10 matches, the team has sold striker Alagie to bring in a player who used to play in V.League for HAGL, Felipe Martins.

The positive news is that the Brazilian player can play in time for the away match in Cam Pha. However, after half a year of not playing, the level, form and integration of this striker will be a big question mark.

However, it is not that SLNA does not have positive signs, striker Ho Tuan Tai has scored in 3 consecutive matches to relieve psychological pressure. Striker Peter Samuel, although not scoring, has gradually adapted to the V.League and the young players have also gained certain experiences after the past 10 ups and downs.

Striker Ho Tuan Tai has scored in 3 consecutive matches for SLNA. Photo: TK

On the contrary, when Felipe Martins is added, SLNA's tactics will continue to change. Striker Ho Tuan Tai will most likely continue to play in a position that is not his forte, which is winger, along with Phan Van Duc, so that Felipe Martins can play as a center forward with Peter Samuel.

In terms of strength and form, the home team Than Quang Ninh is holding the advantage. However, the opportunity to win 1 to 3 points is not impossible for coach Ngo Quang Truong and his team if they play with discipline, focus and high determination in a cornered position.

The match between Than Quang Ninh and Song Lam Nghe An will take place at 18:00 today (July 24) at Cam Pha Stadium.

EXPECTED LINEUP

SLNA: TM Van Hoang, Sy Hoang, Gustavo Santos, Ba Sang, Sy Nam, Van Duc, Dinh Chau, Quang Tinh, Tuan Tai, Peter Samuel, Felipe Martins.

TQN: TM Tuan Linh, Thanh Hao, N. Lastro, Van Khoa, Hong Quan, Xuan Tu, G. Kizito, Nhat Minh, Hung Cuong, Hai Long, D. Fagan.

Prediction: 2-2

Hot: Michael Olaha suddenly leaves Hapoel Tel, waiting for the day to return to SLNA

(Baonghean.vn) – In the context that Song Lam Nghe An is having difficulty in recruiting foreign players for the second leg of V.League 2020, the former player of the Nghe An team, Michael Olaha, has suddenly terminated his contract with the team in Israel.