Da Nang look to top Nghe An

HCM CITY — Watchers Song Lam Nghe An could finish in top place in the first half of the V-League season's table if SHB Da Nang and Dong Thap fail to win in their away trips in the 12th round this weekend.

SLNA and Ha Noi T&T are not competing this round because they played the 12th match early this month as a result of a reschedule for both teams taking part in AFC Cup.

With five points behind leaders SLNA, which played one match more, only a win over home team Navibank Sai Gon in the V-League's 11th round at Thong Nhat Stadium tomorrow could help Da Nang stay at the heels of SLNA.

Beating ninth-ranked NB Sai Gon is possible for second-ranked Da Nang, which is considered more formidable if they play to form and their strikers are effective in finishing.

The only team besides Da Nang that could challenge SLNA for the first half of the season's title is Mekong Delta-based Dong Thap, which has the same number of points as Da Nang but is currently at third because of a goal difference.

However, the chance for Dong Thap to take full points this weekend is slim because they will have to travel to pre-season contender Becamex Binh Duong.

Binh Duong should be in the top group of the table instead of their current seventh place.

Dong Thap, however, will not have the service of the team's leading goal scorer Nigerian Samson Kayode, who was banned for five matches.

Dong Tam Long An, which had a surprise win over Hoa Phat Ha Noi last weekend, will likely be able to add more points when they take on Lam Son Thanh Hoa at home tomorrow.

Ninh Binh and Hoang Anh Gia Lai also promises to be a tense tie as both teams badly need a win after disappointing results during two previous rounds, which moved them down the table.

Hoa Phat Ha Noi, which has not won its last five matches, will visit Khanh Hoa while bottom-place Ha Noi ACB will take on struggling Hai Phong, which has not won any of its past four matches. — VNS