Ninh Bình - Thể Công Viettel: The Battle for the Top Spot

To accommodate national team gatherings during the October FIFA Days, round 6 of the V-League will be moved forward to midweek.

The most notable match this round is between two title contenders this season: Ninh Bình and Thể Công Viettel. The league newcomers have had a dream start, leading the table unbeaten after 5 rounds (4 wins and 1 draw).

Since Công an Hà Nội (2nd place) and Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh (3rd place) completed their matches on September 13, the Ninh Bình vs. Thể Công Viettel game is set to shake up the top group.

Ninh Bình is the most exciting surprise of this V-League season. As a newcomer, the Hoa Lư capital team has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak to top the standings, edging out Công an Hà Nội and Công an TP Hồ Chí Minh on goal difference.

Under coach Albadalejo Castano Gerard, Ninh Bình’s playing style is praised for its organization and attacking execution. The team boasts many stars and has shown clear superiority in offense compared to rivals.

In the past 5 rounds, Ninh Bình’s forwards have netted 14 goals against opponents, the highest tally so far—two more than second-placed Công an Hà Nội and three more than Hải Phòng FC.

Meanwhile, Thể Công Viettel is also in fine form with 5 consecutive unbeaten matches, including 3 wins, currently sitting 4th in the standings. The army team trails Ninh Bình by just 2 points, so a victory here would propel them to first place, providing a huge morale boost for coach Popov’s squad.

However, if Ninh Bình capitalizes on home advantage and strong form to secure all 3 points, they will reach 16 points total, extending their lead to 3 points over the chasing pack. Such a win would also reinforce their status as championship contenders.

If the two teams draw, the V-League standings after round 6 will remain unchanged from the current positions.

In recent rounds, although Thể Công Viettel has created many dangerous chances, their goal conversion rate has sometimes fallen short of expectations. They need to improve finishing. Facing a high-form Ninh Bình defense, scoring won’t be easy for the army team.

Both teams aim to claim all 3 points in this duel, especially the visitors who must win to overtake their opponent and move ahead in the title race.

Thể Công Viettel is considered a "tough test" for Ninh Bình, allowing them to assess their true capabilities and strengthen their title challenge.

Although unbeaten, Ninh Bình has started showing signs of being figured out as teams study them closely. This was evident in their recent match against Hải Phòng. It won’t be easy for Ninh Bình to secure 3 points against a Thể Công Viettel side that boasts the strongest defense in the league, conceding only 2 goals in 5 rounds.

In this high-profile match, Đức Chiến and Hoàng Đức will face their former teammates. Both have been performing excellently for Ninh Bình, and their brilliance is expected to be decisive in the game’s outcome.

The match also features a tactical battle between two European coaches, making it the most exciting and must-watch game of round 6.

The Ninh Bình vs. Thể Công Viettel match is scheduled for 6 PM on October 2. This crucial game will directly impact the championship race for both sides.

Ninh Bình has home advantage and high morale. However, the psychological pressure on a surprise leader is often greater than on a big club eager to reclaim status. The first defeat could deeply affect the mindset of either team.

Projected starting lineups for both teams

Ninh Bình: Văn Lâm, Thanh Thịnh, Patrick Marcelio, Ngọc Bảo, Hải Đức, Đức Chiến, Ngọc Hà, Hoàng Đức, Trọng Long, Geovane, Gustavo Henrique

Thể Công Viettel: Văn Việt, Viết Tú, Tuấn Tài, Tiến Dũng, Colonna, Tiến Anh, Hữu Thắng, Văn Khang, Wesley Nata, Lucas, Pedro Henrique

V-League 2025 - 2026 Round 6 Schedule

October 1

6 PM: SHB Đà Nẵng - Hà Nội FC

October 2

6 PM: Đông Á Thanh Hóa - Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh

6 PM: Ninh Bình - Thể Công Viettel

October 3

5 PM: Hoàng Anh Gia Lai - Sông Lam Nghệ An

6 PM: Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh - PVF CAND