Thể Công Viettel - Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh: Extending the joy at Hàng Đẫy

Thể Công Viettel has had a fairly solid start this season. After drawing with Công an Hà Nội – a strong contender for the championship in round 1, Thể Công Viettel secured a convincing 3-0 win against Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh.

Coach Popov seems to have found a well-coordinated core with players like Bùi Tiến Dũng, Trương Tiến Anh, Văn Việt, Viết Tú, Khuất Văn Khang, Lucao, Pedro Henrique… Thể Công Viettel’s strength lies in their solid, persistent playstyle with various attacking options. Alongside the steady performance of key veterans, the quick integration of newcomers such as Văn Việt, Văn Trâm, Viết Tú, and the Vietnamese-European player Damian Vũ has contributed to Thể Công Viettel’s impressive victories.

4 points from the first 2 matches against strong opponents is an acceptable result for the soldiers’ team.

However, Thể Công Viettel still has a minor weakness in missing many chances. Hosting Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh at home, Khuất Văn Khang and his teammates are expected to have multiple opportunities to secure a win.

After crushing Hoàng Anh Gia Lai, Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh disappointed in round 2 by losing 0-3 at home to Công an Hà Nội. Their performance at Bình Dương stadium was very poor, barely putting pressure on the opponent’s goal. The weaknesses of the team formerly known as Bình Dương were exposed. Overall, Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh has shown little improvement compared to last season.

In this match, Coach Nguyễn Anh Đức’s task is to improve the team’s attacking ability when facing Thể Công Viettel at Hàng Đẫy. But the most crucial thing now is to lift the morale of Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh’s players after the heavy defeat against the Hanoi team, as they now travel to face another strong Hanoi-based opponent.

Facing a strong opponent like Thể Công Viettel will certainly be a tough challenge. Therefore, Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh must strengthen their defense, play with a compact formation, and make the most of the few counterattack chances.

With a deep and balanced squad across all three lines, Thể Công Viettel is rated higher than their opponent and is fully capable of controlling the game. Players like Lucao, Pedro Henrique, and Wesley Nata can exert significant pressure on Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh’s defense.

The match between Thể Công Viettel and Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh will kick off at 19:15 on August 30. With thorough preparation and strong form, the home team is confident to aim for 3 points before the V-League pauses for about 3 weeks to make way for the U23 Vietnam team and the national squad’s training camp.

Expected starting lineups for both teams
Thể Công Viettel: Văn Việt, Tiến Anh, Tiến Dũng, Colonna Kyle, Tuấn Tài, Văn Khang, Viết Tú, Nhật Nam, Wesley Nata, Lucao, Pedro Henrique
Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh: Minh Toàn, Minh Trọng, Adriano Schmidt, Zlatkovic Milos, Tùng Quốc, Khắc Vũ, Phan Thanh Hậu, Hugo Alves, Tuấn Tài, Ogochukwu, Lê Minh Bình