Football

HÀ NỘI — All eyes will be on defending champions Hà Nội FC and FC Thanh Hóa in round 10 of the V. League 1 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội tomorrow.

Thanh Hóa, a leading candidate for this year’s title, top the rankings with 19 points, while the hosts Hà Nội FC rank sixth with 13 points.

Hà Nội have not played well in the national premier league as they are dispersing their physical strength for the ongoing Asian Football Confederation Cup in Group G.

They beat Tampines Rovers of Singapore 4-0 in the third match on Wednesday at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium. It will be a driving force for Hà Nội to stop four draws in a row in the league to beat Thanh Hóa.

Meanwhile, Thanh Hóa have played a stable game. They are an undefeated team since the first round of the league. With the return of captain Pape Omar after suspension of the Việt Nam Football Federation, and key player Uche Iheruome, Thanh Hóa looks likely to maintain their top spot in ranking.

A match worth taking note of in this round is Sông Lam Nghệ An and Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) at Vinh Stadium.

Both teams are facing difficulties in affirming themselves in the league. In the latest match, HAGL lost to Sanna Khánh Hòa 1-3 and Nghệ An were also defeated 1-3 by Sài Gòn FC.

However, Nghệ An are still more appreciated than the visitors HAGL thanks to skilful and experienced footballers, especially striker Shackiel Henry from Trinidad and Tobago. Henry and striker Nguyễn Anh Đức of Bình Dương are the best scorers of the tournament with six goals each.

Moreover, HAGL often receive losses when they travel to Vinh.

Elsewhere, Khánh Hòa meet Sài Gòn FC, HCM City face Hải Phòng today. While Quảng Ninh Coal take on Bình Dương, Long An battle SHB Đà Nẵng tomorrow. — VNS