Thanh Hóa vs Thể Công Viettel: The Homecoming of Coach Popov

Coach Popov makes his comeback at Thanh Hóa stadium in a unique capacity; can we expect an emotional game?

What time is the Thanh Hóa vs Thể Công Viettel match, and where to watch it live?

• Time: 6:00 PM on November 2nd
• Venue: Thanh Hóa Stadium
• Competition: Round 9 of V-League 2025/26
• Live broadcast on: FPT Play

Expected lineups for Thanh Hóa vs Thể Công Viettel

• Thanh Hoá: Xuân Hoàng, Minh Đoàn, Văn Lợi, Đình Huyên, Thái Bình, Văn Thuận, Abdurakhmanov, Trùm Tỉnh, Nguyên Hoàng, Damoth, Rimario.
• Thể Công: Văn Việt, Kyle Nino, Viết Tú, Tiến Anh, Văn Tú, Tuấn Tài, Văn Khang, Nhật Nam, Wesley, Lucas, Pedro.

Preview of Thanh Hóa vs Thể Công Viettel: An Emotional Explosion

Calling the match between Thanh Hóa and Thể Công Viettel the highlight of round 8 is not just because it’s a clash between two teams at opposite ends of the standings, but also because it marks Coach Popov’s return to Thanh Hóa.

Thanh Hóa is the place where the Bulgarian coach made his name in Vietnam, spending over 3 years there, winning 2 National Cups and 1 Super Cup. More importantly, he brought a distinctive attacking style to the Thanh Hóa team that made many big clubs in the V-League wary.

Coach Popov continues to bring his passion to Thể Công Viettel this season, helping the team achieve impressive form. After the first 8 rounds, they have 4 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss, currently sitting 3rd in the league table. Under Popov’s guidance, Thể Công is considered one of the top contenders for the championship this season.

On the other hand, since Popov’s departure, Thanh Hóa has been stuck in a crisis, both in management, finances, and squad strength. After 8 consecutive rounds, the Thanh Hóa team only secured their first win in the most recent round. Since the start of the season, Coach Choi Won Kwon’s team has been all too familiar with occupying the bottom position in the standings.

In every aspect, Thể Công Viettel is clearly superior to the home team. This is also a great chance for them to regain a victory after a costly loss to HAGL. However, Thanh Hóa will definitely not be an easy opponent, especially as they have nothing to lose.

Some notable statistics before the Thanh Hóa vs HAGL match

• Thanh Hóa’s recent 5 matches: 1 win, 3 draws, 1 loss
• Thể Công Viettel’s recent 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
• In the last 5 head-to-head encounters, Thanh Hóa won 2, Viettel won 1

Predicted score: Thanh Hóa 2-3 Thể Công Viettel