Expected lineup for Vietnam vs Malaysia (8 PM, August 19): Keeping the winning core intact

Vietnam will face Malaysia again at My Dinh Stadium in the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal second leg at 8 PM on August 19.

The 2-0 victory in Kuala Lumpur in the first leg gives coach Kim Sang-sik's team a big advantage, but the coaching staff still needs to maintain maximum focus to complete the task of securing a spot in the final. Despite a not entirely convincing performance despite the 2-0 win in Malaysia, Kim Sang-sik is likely to continue prioritizing solidity in midfield and defense.

Vietnam keeps the winning core

The Vietnam team has nearly its best squad available for the second leg. According to the latest predictions, coach Kim Sang-sik may continue to use the 3-4-3 formation, with Le Giang in goal; Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, and Pham Xuan Manh forming the central defensive trio.

The two wing positions are likely to be assigned to Truong Tien Anh and Nguyen Van Vi. These two roles are important in Kim Sang-sik's system, as they must both ensure defensive capabilities and support attacks from the flanks.

In midfield, Le Pham Thanh Long is expected to play alongside Nguyen Hoang Duc. Using Thanh Long instead of an attack-minded midfielder helps Vietnam increase their ability to contest and control the central area, especially when Malaysia will surely push forward to find a goal.

Up front, Nguyen Xuan Son remains the top choice as center forward after scoring the opening goal in the first leg. Supporting him could be Do Hoang Hen and Nguyen Dinh Bac. This trio possesses speed, ability to operate in tight spaces, and the capacity to create dangerous counter-attacks when Malaysia is forced to take risks.

Malaysia forced to take risks

Malaysia enters the second leg with a very difficult task after a 0-2 loss at home. The team of coach Tan Cheng Hoe not only needs to score at least two goals to level the tie but also has to deal with personnel issues.

According to the latest updates, Malaysia continues to be without several players due to injuries. Alif Haiqal Lau, Fazrul Amir Mad Zaman, and Endrick dos Santos are all doubtful, while Rodney Celvin had to leave the field in the 16th minute of the first leg because of injury. Wan Kuzain is also unavailable as he had to return to the US to fulfill club obligations.

In that situation, Azri Ghani is likely to continue in goal. The defense could include faces such as Jimmy Raymond, Ubaidullah Shamsul, Faris Danish, and other experienced players. Up front, Paulo Josue remains Malaysia's biggest hope thanks to his organizational skills, long-range shooting, and experience.

Malaysia has little choice but to take the initiative in attack. However, this approach may also create gaps behind the defense, where Xuan Son, Hoang Hen, and Dinh Bac can exploit with quick transitions.

With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Vietnam has the basis to play proactively but does not necessarily have to push high. Coach Kim Sang-sik is likely to instruct his players to maintain team shape, control the midfield, and wait for the right moment to strike decisively.

Expected lineups for Vietnam vs Malaysia

Vietnam (3-4-3): Le Giang; Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Pham Xuan Manh; Truong Tien Anh, Le Pham Thanh Long, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Van Vi; Do Hoang Hen, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Xuan Son.

Malaysia (4-3-3): Azri Ghani; Jimmy Raymond, Ubaidullah Shamsul, Faris Danish, V. Ruventhiran; Paulo Josue, Endrick, Ezequiel Aguero; Mohamadou Sumareh, Syafiq Ahmad, Haqimi Azim.