Before Round 16 of the First Division: The Battle on 'Martial Land'

The focal point of Round 16 in the First Division will be the showdown between the league-leading Dong Nai and the third-place team, Quy Nhon United.

The first highlight is the match between Dong Thap and Khatoco Khanh Hoa at Cao Lanh. The home team currently holds an advantage in the relegation battle, being 6 points ahead of the bottom team, but still needs additional points to secure safety. Meanwhile, Khanh Hoa is also determined to maintain its position in the top ranks following a pressure-relieving victory in the previous round.

Another evenly matched encounter is the clash between PVFCAND Youth and Van Hien University. Both newcomers have performed quite steadily in their first season in the professional arena and are almost certain to avoid relegation. With similar form and a draw in the first leg, this promises to be a tight and unpredictable contest.

On April 25, Quang Ninh hosts Ho Chi Minh City at Cam Pha Stadium, with the home team urgently needing a win after a streak of 10 matches without victory. However, the 10-point gap with their opponent indicates a certain disparity in strength. Ho Chi Minh City, despite being somewhat unstable, is still rated slightly higher due to a more balanced squad.

The biggest highlight of the round is the face-off between Quy Nhon United and Truong Tuoi Dong Nai at Quy Nhon Stadium. The home team is in high form with 4 wins and 1 draw in their recent matches, while Dong Nai remains unbeaten and leads the table. Nevertheless, their unconvincing away performance could pose significant challenges against a highly motivated Quy Nhon.

On April 26, the "reverse final" between Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City and Long An will take place in Pleiku. This is a survival match for both bottom-ranked teams. The host must win to keep hope alive, while Long An securing 3 points would almost guarantee a relegation advantage. Fighting spirit will be the decisive factor in this encounter.

On the same day, Xuan Thien Phu Tho meets Bac Ninh at Viet Tri Stadium in another rookie derby. Phu Tho has shown clear improvement, especially with a recent 4-0 victory, but Bac Ninh is still rated higher due to a stronger squad and an unbeaten away record since the start of the season. This will be a major test for the home team.

Round 15 of the First Division: Momentum for the Promotion Race

The First Division is about to witness a historic change related to referees