Vietnam vs Thailand Predictions
Vietnam take on Thailand in the second leg of the ASEAN Championship final on Wednesday.
The defending champions are in control of the tie after an impressive 2-0 victory at Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday.
I expect the hosts to complete the job with another win with at least two match goals.
Champions Backed to Finish the Job
- Vietnam won 23 of their last 25 matches
- Vietnam scored 2+ goals in 21 of their last 23 matches
- Thailand lost their last 4 matches against Vietnam
- Thailand conceded 2+ goals in 4 of their last 6 matches against Vietnam
Thailand Hold Head to Head Advantage
Thailand and Vietnam have met on 17 occasions since 2008. Thailand won seven of those encounters, while Vietnam claimed five victories. Five matches finished as draws.
Vietnam have now won each of their three most recent meetings, including both legs of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final and Saturday's first leg in Bangkok.
Vietnam Take Control of Final
Vietnam return to My Dinh Stadium with one hand on the ASEAN Championship trophy after a superb 2-0 victory in Bangkok.
Thailand enjoyed the better of much of the first half, but goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang produced an outstanding performance to keep the hosts at bay.
Vietnam punished Thailand's missed chances in the second period. Hai Long broke the deadlock before Quang Hai doubled the advantage seven minutes later.
Saturday's victory was their fifth in a row at this tournament, while they remain unbeaten since September 2024.
The in-form Golden Star Warriors have bagged 19 goals at these finals, while conceding just once. Vietnam scored an average of 2.7 goals per game in their ten most recent fixtures.
Vietnam have been particularly impressive in the knockout phase, recording three successive 2-0 victories against Malaysia twice and Thailand.
Thailand Face Huge Task in Hanoi
Thailand make the trip to Hanoi needing a big turnaround after their frustrating 2-0 defeat in last weekend's first-leg contest.
Anthony Hudson's men were unfortunate not to score in a strong display in Bangkok. Thailand controlled much of the opening hour and created the better opportunities before Vietnam struck twice on the counter-attack.
Yotsakon Burapha Seksan Ratree missed a pair of big chances in the first half as the War Elephants failed to turn their pressure into goals.
Saturday's 2-0 defeat came on the back of a 2-1 home reversal in the second leg of their semi-final against Singapore. Despite that setback, Thailand's 3-1 first-leg victory proved enough to secure their place in the final.
Before their recent defeats, Hudson's side had enjoyed a 12-game unbeaten run since last October.
Vietnam vs Thailand Squads and Team News
Vietnam Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrik Le Giang, Tran Trung Kien, Dang Van Lam
Defenders: Nguyen Van Vi, Dinh Quang Kiet, Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Pham Xuan Manh, Khong Minh Gia Bao, Truong Tien Anh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Phan Tuan Tai
Midfielders: Le Pham Thanh Long, Hendrio, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Ngoc My, Le Van Do
Forwards: Nguyen Dinh Bac, Rafaelson, Geovane Magno, Pham Gia Hung, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong
Kim Sang-sik has no new selection issues to deal with, but could make some changes to his first XI on Wednesday. Hai Long and Quang Hai are in contention to earn starting berths after they both scored as second-half substitutes in Thailand.
Sang-sik was delighted with Vietnam's first-leg display but warned that the job is far from finished ahead of Wednesday's return in Hanoi.
“Today's match proved that our players delivered a superior and impressive performance compared to the Thai team. However, this was only the first leg. With the second leg remaining at My Dinh, we will prepare even more thoroughly.”
Thailand Squad
Goalkeepers: Kampol Pathomakkakul, Korrakot Pipatnadda, Chatchai Budprom
Defenders: Chaiyaphon Otton, Nattapong Sayriya, Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Pansa Hemviboon, Pichitchai Sienkrathok, Manuel Bihr, Waris Choolthong, Wanchai Jarunongkran, Adisorn Promrak, Oussama Thiangkham
Midfielders: Kakana Khamyok, Chawanwit Saelao, Thossawat Limwannasathian, Pokklaw Anan, Picha Autra, Worachit Kanitsribampen, Sarach Yooyen, Seksan Ratree
Forwards: Jehhanafee Mamah, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Yotsakorn Burapha, Patrik Gustavsson
Thailand boss Hudson could make some changes to his selection. Picha Autra and Patrik Gustavsson are among those in contention to come into the first XI.
Yotsakon Burapha should retain his place after an impressive display in Bangkok.
"I think those guys - they're not done yet," Hudson said, in his post-match news conference.
"I think everyone in the changing room feels that we can go there and that we are still in the tie.
"If I didn't (believe), I wouldn't even be getting on the aeroplane (to Hanoi)."