Hà Nội’s midfielder Nguyễn Hai Long seen in the match against Thể Công – Viettel on December 17.  Long is a key player of the capital team now. — Photo courtesy of Hà Nội FC

Football

HÀ NỘI Hà Nội FC will face Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh (HLHT) in the V.League 1 on Friday at Hà Nội-based Hàng Đẫy Stadium, aiming to secure another victory.

Their recent 2-0 win against Thể Công – Viettel has provided the capital team with momentum for their hopes to overcome their upcoming opponents. Currently, Hà Nội have accumulated nine points from six matches, placing them in eighth position, four points behind the league leaders, Bình Dương.

Following their match against HLHT, Hà Nội will encounter Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) on December 27. This fixture presents a favourable opportunity for Hà Nội, as both HLHT and HAGL currently occupy lower positions in the league table.

Hà Nội are expected to rejoin the race for the 2023-2024 V.League 1 championship. Their victory over Thể Công – Viettel not only secured three points but also marked their 101st clean sheet in the national premier league. Prior to this, Hà Nội achieved a significant milestone by keeping 100 clean sheets in the V.League 1 through an important victory against Sông Lam Nghệ An.

Since their establishment in 2006, Hà Nội have played 358 matches in the V.League 1, winning 196, drawing 85, and losing 77. The team's current strength no longer solely relies on veterans such as Văn Quyết, Hùng Dũng and Duy Mạnh. Instead, it now features young players like Nguyễn Văn Trường, Vũ Tiến Long, Nguyễn Văn Tùng, Nguyễn Hai Long, Vũ Đình Hai, and goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Hoàng.

If goalkeeper Hoàng continues to deliver strong performances, as he has done in the team's recent three consecutive wins, he is likely to secure the position of the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

Additionally, two new additions to the team, versatile player Xuân Mạnh and midfielder Văn Nam, have quickly integrated into the squad and earned their places in the starting lineup.

Hà Nội have not only solidified their domestic player roster but also ensured the quality of their foreign players. They are allowed to field three foreign players per match, including the influential Marcos Antonio and strikers Joel Tagueu and Junior Denilson.

In the previous season, Hà Nội FC finished as the second runner-up, with Hà Nội Police claiming the championship title.

In other news, Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) will be without some of their key players in their upcoming match against HCM City on Friday. Midfielder Phan Bá Quyền has been suspended after accumulating three yellow cards and will be unavailable for selection. Additionally, midfielder Hồ Khắc Lương is currently sidelined due to a serious injury.

SLNA currently sit at 11th place in the rankings, having secured one win, three draws and two losses, accumulating a total of six points. Their sole victory came in the last match against HAGL, who are currently at the bottom of the league standings.

Meanwhile, HCM City Club have been performing well, amassing nine points from six matches. VNS