Will Ho Chi Minh City FC break their winless streak against Hanoi FC?

Vinh Nguyen dribbles the ball during the match against The Cong Viettel Club.

Since gaining promotion and joining the V-League in 2017, Ho Chi Minh City FC has never been a worthy opponent for Hanoi FC. In 18 direct confrontations in official matches, the "Red Battleship" has never won, losing 15 matches and drawing only 3.

Last season, Ho Chi Minh City FC played exceptionally well under coach Phung Thanh Phuong and finished 4th overall, but still suffered defeats against Hanoi FC in both matches. The tide could turn in the upcoming clash, as the home team at Thong Nhat Stadium is enjoying impressive form at the start of the 2024-2025 season.

By successfully retaining Patrik Lê Giang, recruiting experienced defenders like Adriano Schmidt and Mạnh Cường, and with the young player Hoàng Phúc gradually maturing, the "Red Battleship" has a solid foundation to deploy its signature defensive-attacking style of play.

Huy Toàn returns to help strengthen the left flank of Ho Chi Minh City FC.

In midfield, young talents who have come through the Nutifood academy, such as Thanh Khoi and Vinh Nguyen, are beginning to show maturity and skill. Thanks to this, coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team secured a draw against The Cong Viettel and defeated last season's runner-up, Binh Dinh Club.

Not only that, Ho Chi Minh City FC is also the king of home games, starting from the 2023-2024 season. They have earned 30 points out of a possible 42 points whenever they play at Thong Nhat Stadium. This is an impressive figure, unmatched by any other V-League team.

Meanwhile, Hanoi FC is having a slow start. They won against Binh Dinh thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from captain Nguyen Van Quyet. However, in the Hanoi derby against The Cong Viettel, they lost 2-1 after a comeback victory.

Hanoi FC is facing problems because their foreign players haven't met expectations. Coach Le Duc Tuan didn't hesitate to admit this truth after the loss to The Cong Viettel FC, as players like Hai Long, Hung Dung, and Tuan Hai are having to "carry the burden" of their foreign players instead of benefiting from their performances.

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương is helping Ho Chi Minh City FC maintain consistent performance in the V-League.

Most recently, Hanoi FC parted ways with former Netherlands U.17 international Keziah Veendorp, replacing him with midfielder Jaha, who previously played for The Cong Viettel FC. Furthermore, they have yet to find a player of sufficient caliber to replace Doan Van Hau on the left wing.

Young players like Vu Dinh Hai and newcomer Nguyen Xuan Kien have yet to make an impression. On the right flank, with Pham Xuan Manh pushed up to play midfielder, Le Van Xuan playing as a defender has not been very effective, and has been exploited by Khuat Van Khang and Tran Danh Trung.

In the technical dugout, coach Phùng Thanh Phương also has an advantage as he is leading Ho Chi Minh City FC on the right track, while coach Lê Đức Tuấn has only just taken over the hot seat at the beginning of the season.

With the home advantage, good form, and gradually achieving stability in their playing style, will the clash at 7:15 PM on September 29th be an opportunity for the "Red Battleship" to break the jinx and secure their first victory against Hanoi FC in the V-League?

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/clb-tphcm-pha-dop-khong-thang-truc-doi-ha-noi-185240928170948611.htm