HÀ NỘI – Sanna Khánh Hòa take on Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) in the ninth round of the V.League 1 today.

Khánh Hòa started the season slowly; however, the side have been in form in the last three fixtures, picking up seven points with two wins and a draw.

“HAGL have improved greatly compared to last season. Visiting HAGL’s Pleiku Stadium is no easy task. Although we have lost our last two matches at Pleiku Stadium, we are not afraid of them,” said coach Đình Tân of Khánh Hòa.

According to Tân, Khánh Hòa will have their best lineup for the coming match. Striker Sadio Diao from Senegal is a challenge for every defense line including HAGL.

To prepare for the match, Khánh Hòa moved to Gia Lai on March 8.

Meanwhile, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai who lost to HCM City 0-1 last time out, are also determined to take three points.

Captain and striker Nguyễn Công Phượng is key player for his team, having scored three goals in his last four matches.

Sanna Khánh Hòa have 12 points to rank fourth after eight rounds, while HAGL are ninth with 10 points.

In other fixtures, the league’s only unbeaten side and pacesetters FLC Thanh Hóa face fourth placed Hai Phong. With Thanh Hóa on 18 points and the home side 13 this is a key match in the title race.

Hải Phòng will take full advantage of playing at home at Lạch Tray Stadium and will be buoyed by beating title contenders Quảng Nam 2-0 in their last outing.

Hải Phỏng’s fans are allowed back at Lạch Tray Stadium after they were banned in the eight round by the Việt Nam Football Federation for setting off flares.

Elsewhere, SHB Đà Nẵng will meet HCM City while Sài Gòn take on Sông Lam Nghệ An.

Quảng Ninh Coal and Hà Nội FC played in the AFF Cup during the week so the two teams will not compete this weekend. – VNS