Binh Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City Club: Home team looking for first win (6pm, September 22)

Both teams went through the first round with unsatisfactory results when Binh Dinh lost 0-1 at Hang Day Stadium to Hanoi FC, while Ho Chi Minh City FC was held to a draw by TC Viettel at Thong Nhat Stadium. That pushed both teams into the second round with a situation where they could not lose points, especially the home team.

The draw at Quy Nhon Stadium last season

In fact, Binh Dinh's defeat to Hanoi FC was also predictable, because the martial arts team at the time had just changed its force and no longer had the strongest core compared to before. However, Binh Dinh's performance was commendable, they caused many difficulties for the opponent through the connection between the lines.

But in the second round against Ho Chi Minh City FC, and playing at Quy Nhon Stadium, Binh Dinh needs to recover, forget the opening loss and aim for a victory against this opponent who is considered to be equally matched. In the last 5 meetings, the advantage is on the away team with 3 wins, 2 draws and all were evenly matched matches. Will coach Bui Doan Quang Huy and his team be able to "break the curse" of drawing and losing with a win this time?

Goalkeeper Tuan Linh feels secure when replacing Dang Van Lam in goal.

On the other side of the field, Ho Chi Minh City FC has also just gone through a difficult period of changes in personnel. However, coach Phung Thanh Phuong still managed to retain some key players such as Le Giang, Huy Toan or had timely reinforcement of Schmidt - a former player of... Binh Dinh. The important thing is that coach Phung Thanh Phuong still kept the "fire" in the team's playing style through the match with TC Viettel on the opening day. Despite the unfortunate point sharing, Ho Chi Minh City FC's playing style still brought positive signals, at least in the relegation race this season.

In terms of strength, the home team is slightly better with key players in charge of the lines. Meanwhile, the away team has just created peace of mind in the defense line. Therefore, this will be another challenge for the defenders of HCMC Club, especially goalkeeper Le Giang.

Prediction: 1-0