SHB Da Nang will have the chance to close the gap with leaders Song Lam Nghe An as they are playing at home and away, respectively, in the V-League’s round 16 this weekend.

Da Nang will take on Dong Thap at Chi Lang Stadium. Although Dong Thap welcome the return of top striker Samson Kayode, it is very likely that the home team will get three points.

There was criticism from the media after Nghe An, which did not appear keen to take part in continental competition, fielding only a second-ranked line-up, was eliminated from the Asian Football Confederation Cup. Many reporters thought it could affect their performance at Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong.

The encounter between Navibank Sai Gon and Ninh Binh at Thong Nhat Stadium is significant because they are deemed equal and both have just been helped by last-round surprise victories.

Defending champion Ha Noi T&T will have to face an in-form Ha Noi ACB, which has recorded two successive wins recently. The derby is expected to be tense when both desperately want to win.

Lam Son Thanh Hoa host Hoa Phat Ha Noi at home, while Binh Duong host Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Crucial fortnight

Long An face the most crucial fortnight of their season that can decide their chances of surviving the V-League this season.

Simon McMenemy’s task of getting full points this weekend is not easy as the former two-time champion is expected to have a tough match against Khaotoco Khanh Hoa, which are desperately in search of a win after a poor run of five recent games and are falling in the table.

Long An will have another home game against Ninh Binhnext Sunday.

McMenemy said that his team had worked but luck had not smiled on them.

If McMenemy cannot clinch at least one win out of these two home games, his team’s demotion to the First Division is all but inevitable.

Source: VNS