V.League 2023 returns: Awaiting changes from Song Lam Nghe An

Strengthen the defense

Despite the addition of center-back Vytas Gaspuitis, the defense ofLam River, Nghe AnThis still hasn't brought peace of mind to the fans of Nghe An. The match where the Nghe An team's defense played best was the 0-0 draw against hosts Dong A Thanh Hoa. And this was also the only match in the first four games of the V.League 2023 where coach Huy Hoang used the 5-3-2 formation.

In the remaining matches, Song Lam Nghe An's defense often lacked concentration, especially in the final moments of each half. This was evident in the 45th-minute goal conceded in their opening match against SHB Da Nang, and the crucial loss of victory in the 90+3 minute during their away game at the 19/8 Nha Trang stadium. This is one of the weaknesses that the Nghe An team needs to address, especially since Song Lam Nghe An hasn't yet faced the current "giants" of the V.League.

Fans hope that center-back Vytas Gasputis will help improve Song Lam Nghe An's defense in upcoming matches. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Besides, the concern about aerial balls will continue to be a headache for coach Huy Hoang. Three out of the four goals conceded by Song Lam Nghe An so far have come from headers by opposing strikers. The presence of center-back Vytas Gasputis has somewhat helped the Nghe An team avoid being outmatched in aerial duels. However, the Lithuanian center-back still seems to lack chemistry with his new teammates. Hopefully...break timeThis recent period will help the 1.97m tall center-back find a connection with captain Que Ngoc Hai and his other teammates.

A solid defense will be the foundation for the Nghe An team to achieve good results. Especially in the upcoming matches, coach Huy Hoang's team will have to face quality attacking lines such as Becamex Binh Duong with the duo Rimario and Tien Linh, or the foreign players of the newly emerging powerhouse Thep Xanh Nam Dinh.

Strengthening the attack

Similar to their defense, Song Lam Nghe An's attack has yet to satisfy fans in Nghe An province, having scored only 4 goals in 4 matches. The team's attacks lack fluidity and rely heavily on the creativity of veteran Trong Hoang. This is compounded by the wasteful finishing of the duo Olaha and Jordy Soladio.

However, the two foreign players seem to be starting to find each other in attacking plays. In the match against the ClubKhanh HoaThis duo were the goalscorers for Song Lam Nghe An. Hopefully, after the recent break, their chemistry will be further strengthened to help the Nghe An team's attack flourish when the V.League returns.

Striker Soladio is starting to find chemistry with Olaha in the attack. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Furthermore, there's the challenge of improving the effectiveness of Song Lam Nghe An's attacks from set pieces. In previous matches, the team from Nghe An province was awarded quite a few free kicks and corner kicks. However, they failed to make good use of the height of their foreign players or the aerial ability of Xuan Manh and Que Ngoc Hai. Their neighbor, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, serves as a prime example for Song Lam Nghe An, as their set-pieces are a nightmare for any opponent. When a match is deadlocked, set pieces are the best option for the Nghe An team to make a difference.

Furthermore, the valuable break will allow Song Lam Nghe An to see the return of key players after injuries. The attacking plays on the right wing by Tran Dinh Tien and the quality free kicks of...Dinh Xuan TienThis is what fans in Nghe An province have been waiting for.

Midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien has not yet regained his best form after his injury. (Photo: Xuan Thuy)

The next three V.League matches will be crucial for Song Lam Nghe An's goal of finishing in the top eight. This is because in the final matches of the first phase of the 2023 V.League, the team from Nghe An will face very strong opponents. If they don't accumulate a significant number of points, coach Huy Hoang's team will lack the psychological advantage before entering these difficult matches.

Tomorrow (April 1st), Song Lam Nghe An will hostQuang Nam ClubIn the first round of the National Cup, this will be a valuable test for the Nghe An team before the V.League 2023 resumes. Fans hope that coach Huy Hoang and his team will make good use of the recent break to refine their playing style.