Viettel vs Hanoi FC: Capital Derby Heats Up Hang Day Stadium

After 13 rounds, Viettel temporarily holds 3rd place with 25 points, while Hanoi FC is right behind with 21 points. Currently, the army team trails the league leaders, Hanoi Police, by 10 points and has very little chance of competing for the championship. However, the gap between Viettel and 2nd-placed Ninh Binh FC is only 2 points, and given the latter's recent slump, Viettel is fully capable of overtaking them.

Under the guidance of coach Harry Kewell, the Capital team has scored 10 goals in the last 4 matches. This achievement nearly matches their output from the previous 9 rounds under either coach Makoto Teguramori or acting head coach Yusuke Adachi.

Notably, among those 10 goals, as many as 7 different Hanoi FC players have found the scoresheet. Hanoi FC no longer relies solely on the "veteran" Van Quyet as they did before. The team now employs a more diverse attacking style, with multiple lines in the formation capable of creating turning points in the match and results for the home side.

While Hanoi FC has secured 3 wins and 1 draw in their last 4 consecutive matches under coach Harry Kewell, Viettel also just achieved a victory over the defending champions Nam Dinh in the previous round.

The win against Nam Dinh once again confirms Viettel's identity as a team that excels when playing as the "underdog," built on a foundation of discipline and resilience.

For this match, Viettel will be missing Brazilian forward Wesley Nata, while Hanoi FC will also be without the services of Do Hung Dung due to suspension. Nata has played in all 13 matches since the start of the season and has always been a primary choice in Coach Popov's tactical system. Meanwhile, although not at his peak form, Do Hung Dung still plays a crucial role in the Capital team's midfield.

Both Viettel and Hanoi FC are in good form. The match is predicted to be a balanced contest.

The derby between Viettel and Hanoi FC is also highly anticipated due to the tactical battle on the sidelines between coaches Velizar Popov and Harry Kewell. Both are currently considered prominent managers in the V-League.

The match is a contest between two schools of modern football. Harry Kewell is striving to build a positional control style with coherent ball circulation. Conversely, Popov will apply a high-pressing game to disrupt the opponent's structure right from their own half.

Personally, Coach Popov is considered a true "nemesis" to Hanoi FC's playing style. The Bulgarian strategist's philosophy of high-energy football and relentless pressing often paralyzes the purple-shirted team's ball-control system.

The marquee match of V-League 2025-2026 Round 14 between Viettel and Hanoi FC will take place at 7:15 PM on March 1st at Hang Day Stadium.

Expected starting lineups for both teams
Viettel: Van Viet, Viet Tu, Tien Dung, Kyle Colonna, Tuan Tai, Hoang Minh, Nhat Nam, Paulo Martins, Van Khang, Manh Dung, Lucao.
Hanoi FC: Van Chuan, Xuan Manh, Duy Manh, Adriel, Cong Nhat, Van Toan, Dinh Hai, Hai Long, Hoang Hen, David Fisher, Daniel Passira.