Bình Dương's Nguyễn Tiến Linh (left) and Rimario Gordon. Bình Dương are fighting to stay in V.League 1. Photo thethao247.vn

HÀ NỘI — The race to stay in V. League 1 2023 is intensifying and it is expected to remain tense until the very last kick of the season.

After 16 matches, the outcome remains uncertain as three teams, SHB Đà Nẵng, Becamex Bình Dương, and HCM City, are currently tied with 11 points each. With only two matches remaining in the relegation battle, the situation is becoming increasingly critical.

Bình Dương currently holds the advantage in terms of goal difference (-7), compared to Đà Nẵng (-9) and HCM City (-12).

In the match scheduled for Saturday, both Đà Nẵng and Bình Dương are considered to have an edge over HCM City as they will be playing at home. Đà Nẵng will face Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA), while Bình Dương will welcome Khánh Hòa, two teams that have already secured their place in the league for the next season.

In the previous encounter at the Vinh Stadium, Đà Nẵng managed to secure a draw against SLNA. Considering SLNA's current situation, where they are no longer in contention for a place to stay in the league, it wouldn't be surprising if Đà Nẵng emerges victory at their home ground, the Hòa Xuân Stadium.

However, concerns are rising among Đà Nẵng's fans regarding their attackers, as Đà Nẵng had three consecutive games without finding the back of the net.

SLNA, after defeating HCM City, thought they had solidified their place in the league but then suffered defeats against Khánh Hòa and Bình Dương in their last two matches. These losses were a deliberate decision by SLNA to provide opportunities to their young players in those games.

As for Bình Dương, they have recently experienced the taste of victory by defeating SLNA. Securing their first victory of the season and winning three valuable points, lifting them out of the bottom position and reigniting their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Facing Khánh Hòa in the next match, Bình Dương aims to take three points.

In other news, HCM City are likely to face a challenging task as they will meet against Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) on their home stadium. HAGL recently displayed impressive performances after securing their position in the league. They have achieved two consecutive victories, which has boosted their confidence.

Although HAGL were highly regarded this season, their elimination from the National Cup and their inability to contend for the title has shifted their focus. Their current target is to play attractive football in the remaining matches of the tournament in order to rebuild their image.

Out of the three teams, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, and Bình Dương, one will inevitably face relegation in the next season. With all three teams currently tied on points and only two matches remaining, the name of the team that will be relegated from V. League 1 will be determined soon.

If the three teams still level on points after the penultimate matches, the "reverse final" match will become extremely tense and all eyes will focus on the match between HCM City and Bình Dương which could potentially decide the fate of the team that will face relegation. — VNS