Be careful

Looking through the recent matches of the Vietnam team from friendly matches to the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, it can be seen that coach Kim Sang Sik still prioritizes certainty.

Typically, in the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Laos, the Korean strategist still fielded the most "combat" force and only used 1 rookie Minh Khoa in the starting lineup, despite the fact that in the training session in March 2025, there were quite a few young players.

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Coach Kim Sang Sik prioritizes certainty. Photo: Huu Ha

Similarly, in the friendly match also held in March with Cambodia at Go Dau Stadium, Coach Kim Sang Sik also used all 11 veterans in the starting lineup.

Because of that, despite Nepal being an underrated opponent, the captain of the Vietnamese team still used a force consisting of many veterans to ensure the goal of victory.

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Although coach Kim Sang Sik emphasizes certainty, it is possible that in the match against Nepal that will be reduced, meaning that the Vietnamese team will enter the match with a more balanced force between veterans and rookies.

There are 2 reasons for the Korean strategist to change. First, in the list of players to be trained for the 2 matches against Nepal, Mr. Kim Sang Sik called up a squad of nearly 10 U23 players, so he had to use them.

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But it is likely that many young players will still be used for the match against Nepal. Photo: Huu Ha

The second reason lies in professional reasons. Many U23 Vietnam players have been playing well and have been in high form recently from club level to the tournaments they have just attended, while the veteran group is the opposite.

The overload of Bui Tien Dung and Duc Chien is proof that coach Kim Sang Sik has to adjust his usage plan instead of trying and taking risks with his players' legs, so the opportunity for young players is relatively high.

For the reasons mentioned, in the match against Nepal, coach Kim Sang Sik will likely arrange young players in each line alongside other experienced seniors.

Specifically, coach Kim Sang Sik named goalkeeper Trung Kien, central defenders Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh, midfielders Xuan Bac, Van Khang and striker Thanh Nhan in the 3-4-3 formation for the match against Nepal at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Go Dau Stadium.

Expected lineup of Vietnam team: Trung Kien, Tien Anh, Duy Manh, Hieu Minh, Bui Tien Dung, Cao Quang Vinh, Hoang Duc, Xuan Bac, Van Khang, Tien Linh, Thanh Nhan.

Prediction: Vietnam team wins 4-0

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/doi-hinh-tuyen-viet-nam-dau-nepal-sao-tre-nao-xuat-tran-2450802.html