Comments on the match Nam Dinh vs Hai Phong, 18:00 August 16: The power of the champion

Nam Dinh vs Hai Phong form

Losing key striker Xuan Son for most of the 2024/25 season, Nam Dinh faced many difficulties and had a period of stagnation on their journey to defend the throne.

However, coach Vu Hong Viet's team still rushed forward in the final stage to complete the goal of reaching the pinnacle of glory.

Excluding two crushing defeats in the AFC Champions League Two round of 16 at the hands of superior opponents Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Nam Dinh had 14 consecutive unbeaten matches at the end of last season, including 11 wins and 3 draws.

At home, the home team at Thien Truong Stadium also won 6 and drew only 1 after 7 times hosting guests before the National Super Cup match.

Nam Dinh's high spirits were only slightly dampened by the 2-3 defeat to CAHN a week ago. But overall, coach Vu Hong Viet and his team's preparations were still filled with positive colors.

In addition to the plan to strengthen the force with quality new recruits such as A Mit, Van Toi, Kyle Hudlin, Mahmoud Edi, Njabulo Blom, Nam Dinh also gathered the team very early. Thanks to that, the training trips in Phu Yen or Korea also brought very positive results.

Especially in the land of kimchi, Van Vi and his teammates excellently surpassed two representatives playing in K.League (Korean National Championship), FC Seoul and Suwon FC.

Besides the impressive achievements, the quick integration of the new recruits is also considered a plus point, bringing an optimistic signal for the reigning V.League champion before entering the new season.

Comments on the match Nam Dinh vs Hai Phong, 18:00 August 16: The power of the champion - photo 2 — Nam Dinh promises to earn all 3 points in the opening match (Photo: VPF)

Playing at Thien Truong Stadium in the opening match, Nam Dinh will probably find it difficult to drop 3 points. In both encounters with Hai Phong in the domestic arena last season, coach Vu Hong Viet and his team played the role of winners.

In the context of all favorable factors converging, the scenario of the home team continuing to triumph is very likely to happen.

For their part, Hai Phong did not create too many personnel changes. If we had to point out the biggest loss for the port city team, it would certainly be the departure of striker Lucao.

In V.League 2024/25, the Brazilian player plays the most dangerous role in the attack, contributing 48% to Hai Phong's total goals.

With 14 goals, Lucao became one of the three faces winning the title of “Top scorer”. Without the striker born in 1991, the home team of Lach Tray Stadium will lose a striker with the ability to press, fight in the air and shoot diversely in the penalty area.

However, under coach Chu Dinh Nghiem, Hai Phong is not a team that relies too much on individual performance.

The collective playing style based on the flexible tactical system of the Thanh Hoa strategist has truly brought a bright mark to the port city team.

Nam Dinh vs Hai Phong team information

Nam Dinh: Van Toan and Xuan Son are absent due to not recovering from injuries.

Hai Phong: Has the strongest force.

Expected lineup Nam Dinh vs Hai Phong

Nam Dinh: Nguyen Manh, Thanh Hao, Van Toi, Van Vi, Pham Ba, Hoang Anh, Romulo, Caio, Ti Phong, Hong Duy, Brenner

Hai Phong: Dinh Trieu, Tien Dung, Nhat Minh, Trung Hieu, Viet Hung, Antonio, Huu Son, Bicou, The Tai, Tague

Prediction: 2-1