Get ready for a fierce showdown!

After a break of over a month for the Vietnam U22 team to compete in the SEA Games 32, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team returns to the V.League with an away match at Vinh Stadium at 6 PM on May 20th. This is considered a fairly evenly matched and highly anticipated contest.

Nghe An Derby: Anticipate a fiery showdown.

Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Song Lam Nghe An are both aiming for a victory to build momentum in the race for the top 8. Photo: VPF.

With more than half of the first phase of the Nightwolf V.League 1 - 2023 season completed, the race for the top 8 is becoming more unpredictable than ever. A number of mid-table teams have fairly similar point totals, such as Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Viettel , Khanh Hoa, and Song Lam Nghe An. Hong Linh Ha Tinh is no exception.

Currently, Hong Linh Ha Tinh is ranked 6th with 9 points. Their neighbor, Song Lam, has 8 points, one point less, but is ranked 9th due to a better goal difference. A win at this point would be a major boost for Song Lam in the race for a top 8 finish. Given this, the match between these two neighboring teams promises to be a fiery encounter.

Nghe An Derby: Anticipate a fiery showdown.

Trong Hoang and his teammates are regaining their form. Photo: VPF.

As for Song Lam Nghe An, after a shaky start, coach Huy Hoang's team just enjoyed a resounding 3-1 victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai , ending a streak of draws and losses. This victory also reopened the door of hope for fans in Nghe An, as the team has shown positive changes in recent matches.

Captain Que Ngoc Hai continues to perform consistently with high levels of skill, contributing effectively to both attack and defense. The midfield, with Trong Hoang, Pham Xuan Manh, and Dinh Xuan Tien, plays very energetically, controlling the ball well in the central area of the field.

Another noteworthy highlight is the attacking duo of Olaha and Soladio Kandolo. Finishing, once considered a major problem for these foreign strikers, seems to have improved significantly. Currently, Olaha has scored 2 goals while Soladio has scored 3. The pair have also provided 3 assists and frequently find each other to create dangerous situations.

Nghe An Derby: Anticipate a fiery showdown.

Hong Linh Ha Tinh is completely confident ahead of their away match in Vinh. Photo: VPF.

While Song Lam Nghe An is considered to be gradually regaining its good form, Hong Linh Ha Tinh fans can still be confident in what the whole team is showing. Paulo Pinto, with his good technique and vision, and abundant stamina, helps him maintain control of the midfield. Alongside him are captain Dinh Thanh Trung and Bui Van Duc – a player who is showing enthusiasm in every run. It is believed that the midfield of the Hong Linh team can compete on equal terms with Trong Hoang and Xuan Manh.

Nghe An Derby: Anticipate a fiery showdown.

All three foreign players of Hong Linh Ha Tinh are currently in very good form.

In defense, Janclesio is still considered a "steel shield" - a solid pillar in front of goalkeeper Duong Quang Tuan's goal. Meanwhile, up front, Diallo is flying high with 4 goals. With his mobility, this foreign striker will certainly cause Song Lam Nghe An's defense considerable difficulties.

During their more than one-month break, Hong Linh Ha Tinh participated in 7 friendly matches to maintain their form. The team's morale is also high after their previous 3-0 victory against Becamex Binh Duong. The return of young player Nguyen Ngoc Thang, with his bronze medal from the SEA Games 32, will undoubtedly be a great source of motivation, reinforcing the team's determination to win in their away match in Vinh.

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