Football

Hà Nội Police are ready to face Thể Công Viettel on Saturday. — Photo courtesy of Hà Nội Police

HÀ NỘI — The final matches of the first leg of Night Wolf V.League 1 2023/24 on March 8-9 will feature notable games such as Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) versus HCM City and Thể Công Viettel against Hà Nội Police.

Thể Công Viettel will technically be the home side when they face Hà Nội Police at Hàng Đẫy. There is no significant advantage as both teams play at the same venue.

Thể Công Viettel will rely on the strength and brilliance of their individual players to aim for three points. Thể Công Viettel are currently on a seven-match winless streak (with five losses), while Hà Nội Police remain unbeaten in their last five matches (with four wins).

Khánh Hòa face a challenging task to escape from the bottom of the division as they play away at the stadium of MerryLand Quy Nhơn Bình Định.

Bình Định have delivered impressive performances at their home stadium throughout the season, securing victories against HAGL, Thể Công Viettel, and Nam Định. Meanwhile, Khánh Hòa have failed to win in their last five consecutive matches.

Group leaders Nam Định are poised to top the table at the break, but they face a tough match against Đông Á Thanh Hoá. Riding on the excitement of two spectacular victories against Hà Nội FC and Sông Lam Nghệ An, Nam Định are confident in extending their impressive winning streak. Since the start of the season, Nam Định remain unbeaten at home, with five wins and one draw.

Meanwhile, second-place team Bình Dương will encounter Sông Lam Nghệ An at home. The home team hold the advantage in terms of strength and form and are expected to secure a victory. However, Bình Dương's attack needs to be sharper and more effective.

Hải Phòng, currently sit 9th with 13 points, face a challenging match at Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh Stadium. Hải Phòng have struggled in their recent performances, failing to secure a win in their last six matches. On the contrary, Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh have been performing well, winning three out of their last five matches.

At home, Hà Nội FC are predicted to win against rookie team Quảng Nam. Striker Nguyễn Văn Quyết and his teammates are in desperate need of three points to chase the leading group.

In another match, HAGL aim for their third win of the tournament as they face HCM City at their home turf in Pleiku. HAGL have displayed inconsistent performances since the beginning of the season, while HCM City have secured two consecutive wins in their recent matches. — VNS