HCM CITY (VNS)— Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) stand a good chance of ending their winning drought as they take on bottom-ranked team Dong Tam Long An on home ground this weekend.

SLNA have been experiencing the worst period of the season as they have not won in six games and have had only three draws. They fell from first place to third place with 22 points.

A win is necessary for coach Nguyen Huu Thang and his players at the moment to boost confidence among the team and to keep pace with SHB Da Nang and Ha Noi T&T, which have played one game less than SLNA.

The mission does not look impossible as their opponent is also not doing any better, winning only one game to rank at the bottom with only 11 points.

All attention this weekend, however, will be given to the game of the round, when last year's runner-up Ha Noi T&T hosts defending champion Da Nang at Ha Noi's Hang Day stadium tomorrow.

Both teams are in good form. While leaders Ha Noi T&T won four and drew one in five latest games, second-placed Da Nang also secured three wins and two draws.

The match is important for both teams as the winner will take over the top place and gain a considerable advantage for the title race.

Despite playing at home without midfielder Cao Sy Cuong and defender Bui Van Hieu, Ha Noi T&T are looking likely to get their revenge for the 1-0 defeat by Da Nang in the first half of the season.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Thanh Hoa, Xuan Thanh Sai Gon and The Vissai Ninh Binh are tipped to have difficult trips.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai will travel to Rach Gia stadium to face Kien Giang while Thanh Hoa face home team Hai Phong at Lach Tray stadium.

Xuan Thanh Sai Gon will take a trip to Dong Nai to seek its fourth win in five games to return to the title race, while Binh Duong are favourites over Ninh Binh at Go Dau stadium. — VNS