Aiming high: Becamex Binh Duong in a training session. They will meet Vissai Ninh Binh this weekend. — Photo nld.com.vn

HCM CITY  (VNS) — The V-League table will be likely to take a new shape this weekend as teams step it up a gear in a bid to prove their credentials.

Becamex Binh Duong, a two-time champion, will take second place for the first time this season if they win full points against the visiting team Vissai Ninh Binh. It promises to be an exciting match given that both teams are in good shape.

But home fans have grounds to believe they're on for a win. Binh Duong have been on excellent form, winning three and drawing one in the latest four matches. Meanwhile despite their excellent form in the Asian Confederation Cup, Ninh Binh have not been performing so well in the domestic league, winning only five out of 12 points.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai, who are just behind Binh Duong on goal difference, are also favourites over the hosts Dong Nai and a win will push Choi Yoon-gyum's team into the top four.

Other big names Ha Noi T&T and Song Lam Nghe An stand a good chance of moving up the table, with wins for both teams likely.

Defending champions, Ha Noi, are likely to have a challenging match against home team Than Quang Ninh, who have been the talk of the season. The newly-promoted team are currently sitting in second place with 14 points.

Nghe An faces not such a daunting prospect in their match against Hai Phong. Despite their two recent victories, Hai Phong, who are on third with 12 points, have little chance walking away with points against Nghe An favourites.

With a five-point lead separating them and the next nearest team, Thanh Hoa will hang on to their premier position even if they lose against Quang Nam, which seems to be impossible at Thanh Hoa Stadium.

Thanh Hoa is the only team who have yet to lose a game, winning six and drawing one out of seven games played. The 2012 champions SHB Da Nang, who are struggling this season and languish in ninth place, have an opportunity to restore confidence and climb to the top half of the table in their match against Hung Vuong An Giang, who are bottom of the league and yet to secure a single win. — VNS