HCM CITY (VNS)— Song Lam Nghe An stand a good chance of finishing the first half of the 2013 Eximbank V-League in top position if they take full points against visitors Dong Nai today.

Some questions have been raised about their strength after the club's unbeaten run came to an abrupt end with two successive away losses to Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) and Thanh Hoa.

While the defeat by HAGL two weeks ago could be attributed to misfortune, with the winning goal being scored in the last seconds of the game, the loss to mid-table Thanh Hoa last weekend has truly set the cat among the pigeons.

Fans and the media will know today if their doubts about Nghe An's decline are true as coach Nguyen Huu Thang and his players host Dong Nai at the Vinh Stadium.

The two clubs are chalk and cheese in terms of achievement and history, but it will definitely not be an easy game for Nghe An.

Also today Gia Lai's amazing four-win run and their effort to return to second place dislodging Vicem Hai Phong will come under real pressure as they play an in-form The Vissai Ninh Binh.

In the remaining match tomorrow, it is likely that Binh Duong will celebrate their third win at Rach Gia.

Second-placed Hai Phong play formidable Ha Noi T&T, who returned to winning ways last week after two losses in a row by thumping visitors Kien Giang

5-0.

The departure of Francisco Vital will not produce win immediately for Long An, whose main problem is lack of quality players in any position.

One point at home for Long An against Sai Gon Xuan Thanh should be acceptable for interim coach Ngo Quang Sang.

In the day's last match, defending champions Da Nang will have a difficult trip to make to the Thanh Hoa Stadium. — VNS