The jersey numbers of Thái Sơn and Văn Thuận at Ninh Bình FC revealed

The clash between these two Vietnamese football powerhouses could serve as the stage for the debut of two players coming back from the Vietnam U23 squad.

The V-League 2025/26 championship race is gradually reaching its climax, and Round 12 promises to be one of the most exciting rounds of the season. The highlight of this round is the showdown between Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) and Ninh Bình Club – the two teams dominating the top of the standings.

According to the club’s announcement, the newly transferred U23 Vietnamese players have been assigned official jersey numbers. In the latest registration, Văn Thuận will wear number 11, Thái Sơn will have number 21, Trương Tiến Anh will don number 66, and Hoàng Thái Bình will use number 2 at Ninh Bình Club. After 11 rounds, the championship race is becoming clearer as CAHN and Ninh Bình pull ahead of the rest. Former strong contenders like Nam Định and Hà Nội FC have declined in form, while Hải Phòng, Viettel, and Ho Chi Minh City Police Club still lack the consistency needed for a sustained chase.

Currently, Ninh Bình Club leads the standings with 27 points. CAHN follows closely with 26 points but has played one match less. The gap between these two teams and the chasing pack has widened to 6 points, making the direct encounter at Hàng Đẫy Stadium at 19:15 on February 1st extremely significant.

Not only is this a “six-point match,” but it also draws attention because both teams remain unbeaten, each boasting 8 wins so far this season. Notably, this is a battle between the two strongest attacking lines in the V-League: Ninh Bình has scored 26 goals, while CAHN has netted 22.

In terms of squad strength, CAHN continues to demonstrate superior depth with numerous national team players. Although coach Alexandre Polking cannot lead directly due to a coaching ban, the police team still has many quality attacking options. Nguyễn Đình Bắc remains a major hope on the frontline with his speed and ability to create breakthroughs. Additionally, Minh Phúc and Lý Đức are notable contributors in defense, especially in aerial duels and supporting attacks.

On the other side, Ninh Bình Club impresses with its youth-focused strategy. Quốc Việt and Lê Phát are regularly given playing time and are gradually establishing their positions. Even more noteworthy is the arrival of new recruits from Thanh Hóa Club, which boosts competition within the “Mountain Goats.” Among them, Thái Sơn is expected to become a key midfielder thanks to his interception, contesting, and game tempo control skills. Meanwhile, Văn Thuận and Ngọc Mỹ bring fresh energy and are ready to make decisive plays.

With star players like Quang Hải and Hoàng Đức likely to be tightly marked by opponents, the U23 Vietnamese players recently returned from SEA Games 33 and the 2026 U23 Asian Championship could be the deciding factors in the match. Therefore, the clash at Hàng Đẫy Stadium is not only a contest between two title contenders but also a platform for the younger generation to assert their position in the V-League.