The
national football league resumes play today after a three-week Tet holiday break
with a match between defending champions Ha Noi T&T and SHB Da Nang in the
capital city.

Comeback: Top striker Le Cong Vinh (right) of Ha Noi T&T will be back in action after a prolonged injury. (Photo: VNS)

The match is
considered entrepreneur Do Quang Hien’s own personal derby, as the businessman
owns both teams.

The winner of the game
will receive a huge bonus from Hien, who has urged both teams to compete in the
spirit of fair play.

This is only the third
season that Ha Noi T&T have been completing in the V-League- Eximbank Cup, but
they have always won against Da Nang when playing at home.

In addition, Ha Noi
T&T are in high spirits following victories in the first two matches of the
season. They currently top the table, while Da Nang stand sixth following a
victory and a loss.

Ha Noi T&T’s fire
power received a substantial boost today with the news that top national team
striker Le Cong Vinh will be in the line up for the match, his first match after
an injury eight months ago.

Vinh said he was very
keen to get back into action.

“I have totally
recovered and feel very strong,” he said. “I hope I can play with the same skill
as before my injury.”

Vinh’s return is a
major boost for the team, which is seeking to extend its lead in the league.

Coach Phan Thanh Hung
revealed that he added Vinh to the list of substitutes for today’s game, and the
striker will be allowed to play if he is needed.

“It is possible that
Vinh will come off the bench,” said Hung. “I will give him a chance to compete
but it is not good for him if he is forced to play too much.”

Apart from Vinh, T&T
are also welcoming back former national player Thach Bao Khanh, who was rested
for a month due to an ankle injury. Khanh, who joins the club from Thanh Hoa, is
a tough midfielder and will make Hung’s line-up more solid.

Former champs Da Nang
also boast a strong line up. In preparation for the season, coach Le Huynh Duc
has brought home several top players, including former national team captain
Nguyen Minh Phuong.

Phuong will be a key
player during the match, along with Argentinean Gaston Merlo who was the top
goal scorer during the last two seasons and has scored twice already this
season.

Duc and his players
travelled to Ha Noi on Wednesday to familiarise themselves with the capital
city’s cold.

In the other matches
tomorrow, Ha Noi ACB will play Hoang Anh Gia Lai at Hang Day; Vicem Hai Phong
will face Dong Thap at Hai Phong’s Lach Tray Stadium; hosts Ninh Binh will meet
former champions Dong Tam Long An in Ninh Binh Province; Lam Son Thanh Hoa will
clash with Navibank Sai Gon at Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City; two-time winner
Becamex Binh Duong host dark horses Khatoco Khanh Hoa at Go Dau, and in Vinh,
Song Lam Nghe An welcome Hoa Phat Ha Noi.

VietNamNet/Viet
Nam News