V-League round 3 preview

Clubs will compete in the third round of the national championship/V-League on January 22. After the third match day, V-League clubs will have two weeks off for Tet (Lunar New Year) and the V-League will resume on February 5. At least four clubs, such as Hoa Phat Hanoi, Pomina Steel Tien Giang, Da Nang and defending champions Dong Tam Long An, are under heavy pressure and want to gain good results before saying goodbye to the Year of Rooster.

LG.HN.ACB, who did not play the midweek round, and will have to work hard to separate Thai playmaker Issawa Singtong and his team mate Sarayoot in the hope of earning three points.

After a 2-0 victory over Mitsustar Haier Haiphong, Hoang Anh Gia Lai will travel to Vinh to play against troubled PJICO Song Lam Nghe An. In the midweek game, two Ks” (Kiatisuk and Kesley Alves) of Hoang Anh Gia Lai scored one goal each. If they continue their top form as in the match against Mitsustar Haier Haiphong, Hoang Anh Gia Lai will earn at least a point. Last season, Hoang Anh Gia Lai left Vinh with one point after drawing 0-0 with their hosts.

In the mean time, Southern Steel Saigon Port seems stronger with new players, Trung Kien and Niweat. After holding Binh Duong to a 0-0 draw mid week, the hosts have high morale and should earn a good result against their visitors.

Goalkeeper Essele will start the game as coach Vuong Tien Dung want to strengthen the visitors” defence. His team will wait for their opportunities from counter attacks.