Thanh Hoa vs The Cong Viettel: Coach Popov's return.
Round 9 of the V-League 2025/26 will be broadcast live on FPT Play at 6:00 PM on November 2nd at Thanh Hoa Stadium: The Cong Viettel is undefeated in 7 out of 8 rounds and is in 3rd place; Thanh Hoa just secured their first victory.
At 6:00 PM today, November 2nd, Thanh Hoa Stadium awaits the return of coach Velizar Popov in the match between Dong A Thanh Hoa and The Cong Viettel in Round 9 of the V-League 2025/26. The coach who once brought two National Cups and one Super Cup to Thanh Hoa will now lead the military team, which is maintaining stable form with an energetic, high-pressing, and tightly organized style of play.
Match information
- Tournament: Round 9 V-League 2025/26
- Time: 6:00 PM on November 2nd
- Location: Thanh Hoa Stadium
- Live: FPT Play
Coach Velizar Popov's return
Popov returns to Thanh Hoa in a confrontational role, after a period of making his mark with 2 National Cups and 1 Super Cup. Under his leadership, The Cong Viettel is currently in 3rd place after 8 rounds with 4 wins and 3 draws. This series of results reflects a football philosophy of high energy, strong pressing, and tactical discipline, helping the military team maintain stability.
Form and tactical picture
Viettel Sports is undefeated in 7 out of 8 rounds and is among the title contenders. Their pressing style and tight organization allow them to control the tempo, apply constant pressure, and minimize errors in key areas.
Conversely, Thanh Hoa, under coach Choi Won Kwon, is going through a difficult period. The home team only secured their first victory in the last round and remains in the bottom group of the table. The home advantage and the "nothing to lose" mentality could help Thanh Hoa increase their intensity in the competition, narrow the space in the midfield, and look for opportunities when their opponents are stretched thin.
Specialized hotspots
- Pressing intensity: Viettel's Thể Công tends to push the tempo high right from the opponent's half; Thanh Hóa's ability to escape the press will determine the quality of their transitions.
- Defensive organization: Discipline and spacing are the strengths of the visiting team; Thanh Hoa needs sharpness in second plays to make a difference.
- Match psychology: Thanh Hoa has the advantage of home crowd support and high morale after their recent victory; The Cong Viettel aims to maintain the stability they have shown after 8 rounds.
Predicted lineup
| Thanh Hoa | Viettel Sports |
|---|---|
| Xuan Hoang, Minh Doan, Van Loi, Dinh Huyen, Thai Binh, Van Thuan, Abdurakhmanov, Trum Tinh, Nguyen Hoang, Damoth, Rimario | Van Viet, Kyle Nino, Viet Tu, Tien Anh, Van Tu, Tuan Tai, Van Khang, Nhat Nam, Wesley, Lucas, Pedro |
Significance for the race
A positive away result would help The Cong Viettel consolidate their position as a contender and maintain their momentum. For Thanh Hoa, points from this match would help reduce pressure and build morale for the next stage of the season.
Live and up-to-date
The match starts at 6:00 PM on November 2nd and will be broadcast live on FPT Play. Match developments and results will be updated continuously as soon as kick-off.
