The V-League relegation battle looks likely to go down to the wire. The round 24 is expected to see tense competitions to avoid relegation of the bottom teams, Sanna Khanh Hoa – Bien Vietnam (S.KH-BVN), Thanh Hoa, and Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL).
The V-League relegation battle looks likely to go down to the wire. The round 24 is expected to see tense competitions to avoid relegation of the bottom teams, Sanna Khanh Hoa – Bien Vietnam (S.KH-BVN), Thanh Hoa, and Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL).
The focus of the round 24 will be the clashes between HAGL and Hai Phong (at Pleiku Stadium), SHB Da Nang and Thanh Hoa (at Hoa Xuan Stadium), S.KH-BVN and Duoc Nam Ha Nam Dinh (at 19-8 Nha Trang Stadium).
|
Korean coach Lee Tae Hoon of HAGL seems to be confident that his team will maintain their V-League status next season despite their loss to Saigon at Thong Nhat Stadium in round 23. HAGL is having 26 points, placing 12th, one point more than Thanh Hoa. HAGL needs at least five points (equivalent to one win and two draws) in order to avoid the drop. It is not an easy task because the opponents of HAGL in the last rounds this season (Hai Phong, S.KH-BVN, Ho Chi Minh City) will probably play with high determination to improve their position and for decisive points when the season is coming to an end. HAGL has the advantage of playing two out of three upcoming matches at their home ground and has had better position than the two lower teams (Thanh Hoa and S.KH-BVN).
Thanh Hoa is probably to play the play-off with Pho Hien Club, the runner-up of 2019 V-League 2. Thanh Hoa has been facing many difficulties. Their recent consecutive losses have disappointed not only their fans but also sponsors. The team recently underwent some significant changes; they have new coach and new technical director. Thanh Hoa is not only facing the danger of demotion to the lower league next season but also struggling to attract sponsors. They will play two away matches with SHB Da Nang and Becamex Binh Duong and one home match with Viettel.
S.KH-BVN is on the brink of being relegated; however, they still have a little chance to avoid relegation if they win all the last three matches and the two teams above them (HAGL and Thanh Hoa) lose their games. After the 1-1 draw with Hai Phong at Lach Tray Stadium in round 23, S.KH-BVN will return to their home ground to play Duoc Nam Ha Nam Dinh. A win is a prerequisite for S.KH-BVN to keep hoping for a spot in next year’s season.
An Nhien
Translated by H.N
