Expected lineup Timor Leste vs Vietnam: Awaiting the trio Loc - Hen - Son

Expected lineup Timor Leste vs Vietnam: Although the opponent is much weaker, coach Kim Sang Sik is predicted to still field the strongest squad aiming for a resounding victory, creating psychological momentum and an advantage in goal difference.

Expected lineupTimor Leste vs Vietnam:Will coach Kim Sang Sik not hide his cards?

After the friendly matches preparing for the tournament, especially the convincing 4-0 victory over Myanmar or the quality clash with Gangwon FC (K-League 1), the South Korean coach has finalized his most satisfactory frame. The consistent use of a starting lineup shows that coach Kim Sang Sik is not worried about revealing his tactics. On the contrary, he wants the key players to achieve the highest level of cohesion right from the start of the official tournament.

Besides, the fitness issue is not a burden for the Vietnam team. After the opening match against Timor Leste, the whole team will have a full week of rest before entering the second match hosting Singapore at home. Therefore, there is no reason for the 1976-born strategist to rotate the squad or hide his 'heavy weapons'.

The biggest highlight in the operational style of the Vietnam team this time is the appearance of the trio of naturalized players: Tai Loc, Hoang Hen, and Xuan Son. Coach Kim Sang Sik affirms that these are the most important factors, bringing a fresh breeze and unpredictable variation to the attack.

With his ability to bulldoze and diverse finishing, striker Xuan Son promises to be the most dangerous threat against the Timor Leste defense. Meanwhile, the power, speed, and tactical vision of Tai Loc and Hoang Hen will give Vietnam's frontline outstanding unpredictability. When combined with top-class satellites like Quang Hai or Hoang Duc, this trio is expected to create a 'rain of goals' on the opening day.

In the goalkeeper position, Patrik Le Giang is the number one choice thanks to his consistent form and good decision-making. The defensive framework is likely to be a combination of youth and experience with Pham Xuan Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, and the strong return of Doan Van Hau on the flank.

The midfield will continue to be orchestrated by the duo Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hoang Duc, supporting just behind Truong Tien Anh and Tai Loc. Up front, Hoang Hen will play flexibly drifting to the wings to provide crosses for the central striker Xuan Son.

On the other side of the line, Timor Leste will almost certainly actively drop deep into a numbers defense to limit goals. Their rare hopes in attack still depend on familiar names like Luís Figo, Claudio Osorio, or Joao Pedro.

A comprehensive victory over Timor Leste will not only bring a full 3 points but also be a strong statement from the Vietnam team to their regional rivals on the journey to defend the ASEAN Cup 2026 throne.