Dong A Thanh Hoa - The Cong Viettel: Coach Popov's Return to Thanh Hoa

Over three seasons, 75 matches, and 3 titles, Coach Velizar Popov became a legend at Dong A Thanh Hoa. The Bulgarian strategist built a strong identity, turning the Thanh Hoa team into a tough squad to beat, winning 2 National Cups and 1 Super Cup.

However, this time Coach Popov returns to Thanh Hoa as The Cong Viettel’s head coach to face his former team led by Coach Choi Won-kwon. Under Popov’s guidance, The Cong Viettel has shown impressive form with 4 wins and 3 draws in 8 rounds, currently ranking 3rd and among the title contenders. Their energetic play, intense pressing, and solid organization keep the soldiers’ team consistently stable.

The loss at HAGL—a team that had only scored once in 6 matches last round—was a painful setback for The Cong Viettel. The upcoming away match at Thanh Hoa, which is also struggling like HAGL, is expected to be even tougher for Coach Popov’s squad.

The defeat at HAGL has not significantly affected The Cong Viettel’s goals, but they cannot afford to drop points against weaker opponents. The soldiers’ team is determined to win against Thanh Hoa.

Currently, Thanh Hoa faces many difficulties since the start of the season. Coach Choi Won Kwon’s team only recently secured their first win and still sits near the bottom of the table, under heavy pressure. Throughout the season, the Thanh Hoa team has become accustomed to being at the bottom of the rankings.

Last season, Thanh Hoa defeated The Cong Viettel in both home and away matches with scores of 2-1 and 3-1. In the last 5 encounters across all competitions, the soldiers’ team has only won once and lost three times.

Home ground remains Thanh Hoa’s stronghold, as they forced draws in their last 3 V-League matches. Notably, The Cong Viettel usually performs well away, but they have not won in their last 4 V-League away games, with 1 loss and 3 draws.

The fact that 4 direct rivals in the relegation zone all drew or lost gives Thanh Hoa a chance to climb up. The Thanh Hoa team can rise to 8th place, surpassing defending champions Nam Dinh if they win at home against The Cong Viettel. Even a draw would be advantageous for Coach Choi Won-kwon’s squad compared to their relegation rivals.

The three points gained in the “reverse final” against SLNA served as a morale booster, giving Coach Choi Won Kwon’s team more confidence for the upcoming challenges. A positive result at home against The Cong Viettel this round will send a strong message that Thanh Hoa has returned and their win over SLNA was no fluke.

For this match, The Cong Viettel welcomes back captain and central defender Bui Tien Dung. Alongside in-form players like Lucao and Pedro Henrique, the visitors can play offensively and control possession.

Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa will be without two key players: Doan Ngoc Tan due to injury recurrence and Thai Son because of suspension.

The match between Thanh Hoa and The Cong Viettel in round 9 of the LPBank V-League 2025 - 2026 will take place at 18:00 on November 2nd.

Expected starting lineups for both teams

Thanh Hoa: Xuan Hoang, Minh Doan, Van Loi, Dinh Huyen, Thai Binh, Van Thuan, Abdurakhmanov, Trum Tinh, Nguyen Hoang, Damoth, Rimario

The Cong Viettel: Van Viet, Kyle Colonna, Viet Tu, Tien Anh, Van Tu, Tuan Tai, Van Khang, Nhat Nam, Wesley, Lucao, Pedro