HÀ NỘI — All eyes will be on the match between Hà Nội FC and Nam Định in the 19th round of VLeague 1 tomorrow at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in the capital.

Hà Nội have had an impressive run this season with 15 wins, two draws and only one loss, and are 16 points ahead of their closest rivals Sanna Khánh Hòa.

The goals have come from 13 players, including Ganiyu Bolayi Oseni, Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Văn Quyết and Nguyễn Duy Mạnh.

Nam Định are just one place above the bottom with only 16 points after 18 matches, but fans are still turning up to urge their team out of the relegation zone, and are hoping for at least a point from their tie against the league leaders.

According to authorities, 400 security personnel will be deployed at the stadium to ensure order, given the huge following both teams have.

According to statistics, 78,000 fans descended on Hàng Đẫy Stadium during the first 13 games of the season, while 90,000 fans cheered on Thiên Trường Stadium at Nam Định Province.

Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm believes that if Hà Nội continue their good form, they can win the title early.

“If we beat Nam Định and the teams behind us lose, we can take the title early. In this league, a team only needs around 50 points to win it,” said Nghiêm.

At Thống Nhất Stadium, bottom-placed team HCM City will take on SHB Đà Nẵng.

Earlier, Hà Nội pushed Japanese coach Toshya Miura of HCM City deeper into crisis after trouncing them 6-3, while Đà Nẵng beat Hải Phòng in the 18th round on July 8.

With the support of home fans and rookies Marclei Santos and Matías Nicolás Jadue Gonzálezi, who both scored in the last round, Miura is determined to claim three points and climb away from relegation.

Elsewhere, HAGL will meet Cần Thơ, Sanna Khánh Hòa BVN will play Sài Gòn FC, and Thanh Hóa face Quảng Ninh Coal. — VNS