Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Ha Noi FC will host rivals Song Lam Nghe An on their home turf in an early match of the V.League’s round 13 today.
Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem has fully prepared his team for the meet because in their 16 matches since 2009, Ha Noi have not had positive results against their rival. They have three wins, 10 draw, and three losses.
However, Nghiem, who took charge of the team last year, has led his team to a win in both matches last season.
Today, he will not have midfielder Cao Sy Cuong who got a red card last week, but captain Pham Thanh Luong is ready to play after he was sidelined owing to a foot injury.
Song Lam Nghe An will also miss two players — Khác Ngọc and Ngọc Toàn — in their team in Ha Noi due to a ban and injury. However, the good news for them is that midfielder Xuan Tháng is back in action after he was out with an injury, and defender Ngọc Dúc has completed his ban period. Together, they will strengthen the left wing that has been the weak point of the team in several matches recently.
In this match, Song Lam Nghe An will have a huge number of supporters who are all set to paint the Hang Day Stadium yellow — the colour of their club’s uniform.
About 4,000 fans, who have come from Nghe An Province, and live and study in the city, are expected to put up a demonstration from the Kim Lien Hotel — where the players are staying — to the venue.
In this match, both sides will play according to a plan.
Third-placed Ha Noi, who have not lost their last nine matches, are eyeing the top position after they lost it to FLC Thanh Hoa last week due to an unexpected draw with Sanna Khanh Hoa.
In case of a win, they will top the tournament for at least a day before Thanh Hoa play their game against Sai Gon FC.
On the other hand, Song Lam Nghe An, the former champions, are keen to improve their position. They are currently at No. 10 and have never been in the upper half of the ranking this season.
They also have a poor record in their away games. In the last three matches, they were able to garner just one point.
Thanh Hoa need only a point from their match with Sai Gon to champion the first leg of the tournament. Thanh Hoa’s performance has been unstable with two wins which were sandwiched between two draws and one loss. Meanwhile, Sai Gon are in good form with two draws and three wins.
Elsewhere this weekend, Hai Phong will visit former champions Becamex Binh Duong; Sanna Khanh Hoa, who have not lost in their last five matches, will travel to HCM City; Quang Nam will entertain bottom-placed Long An; SHB Da Nang will play Can Tho; Hoang Anh Gia Lai without their best players will see Quang Ninh Coal. — VNS