Before Round 3 of the First Division: The Contenders Speak Out

Can the promotion hopefuls in the First Division sustain their performance and start to separate themselves after the initial 3 rounds?

Đồng Tháp (1 point), currently at the bottom of the table, will face TP HCM (4 points, temporarily leading) at home in Cao Lãnh. TP HCM is showing a fresh vitality with an impressive start: a 2-2 draw against the top contender Trường Tươi Đồng Nai on their opponent’s ground, followed by a home win over newcomers Trẻ PVFCAND, placing them temporarily at the top. If they keep up this form and determination, the visitors can definitely aim for at least a point on their trip to the Mekong Delta region.

At the 19/8 Stadium, Khatoco Khánh Hòa (3 points) is sure to push for a win when hosting newcomers Đại học Văn Hiến (1 point). Although considered the underdogs, Đại học Văn Hiến can still target earning points if they perform at their best on the opponent’s field.

Bình Phước Stadium will attract attention from fans and media alike as Trường Tươi Đồng Nai (4 points) meets newcomer Xuân Thiện Phú Thọ (2 points). Despite their long-term ambitions, Phú Thọ, having drawn two consecutive matches so far, will naturally be seen as the underdog, especially since Coach Lê Quốc Vượng’s team will be playing away in this fixture.

The “newcomers derby” between Trẻ PVFCAND (3 points) and Bắc Ninh FC (4 points) is predicted to favor the visitors. Having secured 3 points from two rounds (a narrow win against Quảng Ninh and a close loss to TPHCM), Trẻ PVFCAND will certainly not be easily overwhelmed by stronger opponents. The home advantage will motivate Coach Duy Đông’s squad to aim for at least a point!

At Thống Nhất Stadium, TPHCM Youth will face this season’s newcomer Quảng Ninh. In terms of squad strength, the representative from the mining region boasts more notable players. Their 2-1 win over Quy Nhơn at home in the previous round has restored confidence ahead of this away match. It promises to be a closely contested game with an unpredictable outcome.

Finally, at Quy Nhơn Stadium, the home team Quy Nhơn United (1 point) will take on Long An (3 points). This will be an intriguing clash between two teams in similar situations and former acquaintances (both having players trained at HAGL’s academy) now on opposite sides of the field!