V-League 2025/26: PVF-CAND clash with Hanoi FC in a crucial match in Hung Yen.
PVF-CAND needed to earn points against Hanoi FC to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive in V-League Round 23. The capital city team traveled to Hung Yen with a severely depleted squad.
Round 23 of the V-League 2025/26 witnessed a dramatic clash between two extremes: PVF-CAND, struggling at the bottom of the table, and Hanoi FC, striving to catch up to a top 3 position. The match took place at 6:00 PM on May 17th at the PVF Stadium, where the home team needed a win to rekindle their hopes of avoiding relegation.
The survival challenge for PVF-CAND
Coach Tran Tien Dai's team staged an emotional comeback in Pleiku to secure three valuable points. However, the draw of their direct rival Da Nang against Ho Chi Minh City Police has pushed PVF-CAND back to the bottom of the table due to inferior goal difference. With 17 points currently, every remaining match is considered a true final for the police team.
PVF-CAND's biggest advantage right now is their personnel stability. The home team will field their strongest lineup, with no significant injuries or suspensions. This allows coach Tran Tien Dai to implement a high-pressing and quick counter-attacking style of play based on Thanh Nhan's speed and Mpande's powerful runs.
Hanoi FC's midfield crisis
In contrast to the home team's high spirits, Hanoi FC is under immense pressure after their defeat against Thanh Hoa. This loss not only knocked them out of the top 3 to Ninh Binh but also exposed weaknesses in their system. More worryingly, coach Harry Kewell will be without two of his most important players in midfield, Hoang Hen and Hai Long, due to suspensions.
The absence of these two "everlasting engines" forces the capital city team to change their approach to the game. The responsibility of controlling the tempo and leading the play will fall on the shoulders of veteran Nguyen Van Quyet. The experience and composure of a seasoned leader will be the only support for Hanoi FC to overcome the personnel crisis in Hung Yen.
Analysis of tactics and expected lineups
PVF-CAND will most likely adopt a defensive counter-attacking strategy, taking advantage of their opponent's disrupted formation. Meanwhile, Hanoi FC may shift their attack to the flanks with the mobility of Xuan Manh and Tuan Hai to relieve pressure on their weakened central midfield.
| Parameter | PVF-CAND (Proposed) | Hanoi FC (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Minh Long | Van Chuan |
| Defender | Vu Tin, Ly Duc, Henrique, Anh Quan | Xuan Manh, Thanh Chung, Adriel, Cong Nhat |
| Midfielder | Van Thuan, Ba Dat, Xuan Bac, Thanh Nhan | Hung Dung, Van Toan, Xuan Tu |
| Forward | Mpande, Mahmoud | Tuan Hai, Fisher, Van Quyet |
The focal point of the match will be the clash between Hung Dung and Van Toan for Hanoi FC and the home team's duo of Van Thuan and Ba Dat. Ball control in the central midfield will largely determine the outcome of the game. Although Hanoi FC has superior class, PVF-CAND's fighting spirit for survival could help them pull off a surprise draw.
