Nhan Dan Online - After a 4-0 victory over Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai, The Cong Viettel will travel south, visiting third placed Dong Nai. It will be a tough job for the division leaders to win three points to keep their spot.

Saturday, April 21

Van Hoa Haiphong vs Tay Ninh

Van Hoa Haiphong are tipped to go top with The Cong Viettel unlikely to win in Dong Nai. (Photo: Liberated Saigon).

Van Hoa Haiphong return home to host Tay Ninh after a successful trip south, earning four points out of a possible six with a victory over Can Tho and a draw  with last week’s leaders An Giang.

After a slow start with manager Laszlo Kleber, Van Hoa Haiphong have been back on track with their new manager Carlos Alberto, who is in his second term with the club, earning eight points from four matches.

Van Hoa Haiphong have the strongest attacking line, scoring 14 goals after seven games. Their strikers Dang Van Thanh and Ngoc Thanh are on their top form, having scored six goals between them.

They are still unbeaten after seven weeks and are hoping to extend the run to eight games.

Tay Ninh, however, are tough opponents. They are now one place behind Van Hoa Haiphong, who have a better goal difference. They do not want to be left further behind the top teams, so they will strive to earn a point from the hosts even though it will be a tough job.

Verdict: 2-1

Quang Ninh Coal vs Da My Nghe Saigon

Dark horses Quang Ninh Coal exited the top five after a 1-1 draw in Can Tho. This was the third consecutive draw for the hosts. They need a victory to return to the race to the 2008 V-League.

Hosting Da My Nghe Saigon, who have recently escaped the danger zone, will be a good chance for the hosts to put an end to their three game draw run.

Da My Nghe Saigon have temporarily risen out of the danger zone after two victories over army teams, Military Region Four and Military Region Five, in which they scored seven goals out of a total of nine goals after seven weeks.

However, it will be difficult for them to earn a point from their visit to Quang Ninh, with the hosts determined to win three points.

Verdict: 2-1

Military Region Four vs Can Tho

Military Region Four host Can Tho in a clash of strugglers. The two sides are tied at the bottom. Can Tho are one place and one point ahead their hosts.

The hosts need a victory to escape the danger zone, putting an end for their six game run without a win. However, the absence of key players Dinh Luat and Van Dai could prove to be a decisive blow.

The visitors are not strong enough to secure a victory.

A draw could be a result.

Verdict: 1-1

Quang Nam vs Vinakansai Ninh Binh

Quang Nam are now in difficulties, having slipped to the bottom of the division. After their victory in the opening game, Quang Nam earned a point from six matches. Manager Luciano and his team are now under heavy pressure.

Meanwhile, Vinakansai Ninh Binh recovered in the last two weeks. They earned two consecutive victories to move out of the danger zone.

Visiting Quang Nam, who are struggling to find their form, Vinakansai Ninh Binh hopes to record their third victory.

With in-form striker Carlos Rodrigues, who moved to the team from Dong Tam Long An early this year, Vinakansai Ninh Binh are in a good position to win points.

Verdict: 1-2

Military Region Five vs. An Giang

An Giang lost their top spot to The Cong Viettel after a 0-0 draw with Van Hoa Haiphong last weekend. It was An Giang’s second consecutive draw. They had been held to a 0-0 draw by Quang Ninh Coal in week six.

An Giang have a good opportunity to retain their top spot when visiting weaker opponents, Military Region Five, who lost to Da My Nghe last weekend.

The visitors have stronger squad and have set a target of winning promotion to the V-League. Therefore, they have more advantage to win.

Verdict: 0-2

Dong Nai vs The Cong Viettel

It is a clash of the top and third placed teams. They have earned a total of 14 points, each after seven games.

The Cong Viettel are in a good spirits after a 4-0 victory over Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai, while Dong Nai are seeking a new manager after on-loan manager Nguyen Van Thinh returned home to lead PVFC Song Lam Nghe An.

Another difficulty for the hosts is the suspension of two key fullbacks Nguyen Quan and Tan Duc. Midfielder Isaac will be sidelined for the same reason.

Meanwhile, The Cong Viettel have no injury or suspension worries and will line up the strongest squad.

It will be no surprise if The Cong Viettel leave Dong Nai with at least a point.

Verdict: 1-1

Sunday, April 22

Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai vs Tien Giang

Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai will host Tien Giang after suffering a 4-0 defeat to The Cong Viettel. The two sides are the same regarding of strength. Thanh Nghia Quang Ngai have home advantage but Tien Giang are tough to be beaten.

Their clash could be tight and a draw is possible.

Verdict: 0-0

Ngoc Tuan