Expected lineup Malaysia vs Vietnam (8:00 PM, August 16): Xuan Son, Quang Hai on the bench

Expected lineup for Malaysia vs Vietnam: Vietnam will face Malaysia away in the semi-final first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, taking place at 8:00 PM on August 16.

This matchup pits the Group A winners against the Group B runners-up, with Vietnam holding a clear edge in form, squad depth, and historical head-to-head results.

Malaysia continues to rely on the 4-3-3 framework

Malaysia secured a semi-final berth by defeating the Philippines 1-0 in their final Group B match, finishing the group stage with 9 points and in second place behind Thailand. Coach Tan Cheng Hoe acknowledged that Malaysia was not highly rated before the tournament and believes their underdog status could allow the players to compete with a more relaxed mindset.

In the early matches of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Malaysia frequently employed a 4-3-3 formation. Azri Ghani is the usual choice in goal, protected by a back four of Rodney Celvin, Ubaidullah Shamsul, Alif Ahmad, and Ruventhiran Vengadesan. This defensive setup was used in the 2-1 victory over Myanmar and the 4-0 win against Laos.

In midfield, Endrick dos Santos and Ezequiel Aguero are expected to continue starting, while Paulo Josue plays a crucial role due to his experience and ability to create opportunities. Paulo Josue has scored 3 goals in the 2026 ASEAN Cup, including a brace against Myanmar and one goal versus Laos.

Up front, Mohamadou Sumareh is likely to start on the wing alongside Syafiq Ahmad and Pavithran Gunalan. Malaysia's style of play is characterized by physicality, speed, and directness, elements that could pose problems for Vietnam's defense during transitions.

Vietnam could spring a surprise with Dinh Bac

Vietnam enters the semi-finals unbeaten in the group stage, amassing 10 points from 4 matches, scoring 13 goals while conceding only once. The 3-1 victory over Cambodia in the final round helped coach Kim Sang Sik's side extend their unbeaten run to 22 matches, with 19 wins and 3 draws.

In goal, Patrik Le Giang is likely to continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. In front of the Vietnamese-born keeper is a three-man central defense of Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, and Pham Xuan Manh. This defensive structure has been regularly used by coach Kim Sang Sik in recent matches.

The two wing-back positions are likely to be filled by Van Vi and Truong Tien Anh. However, Van Vi's availability is uncertain after he missed the afternoon training session on August 11 with his teammates. If the defender is not fit in time, coach Kim Sang Sik will need to find a replacement.

In midfield, Nguyen Hoang Duc is almost certain to retain his spot, while Thanh Long is highly regarded after strong performances against Indonesia and Cambodia. Thanh Long's presence gives Hoang Duc more space to join the attack.

In attack, Dinh Bac is likely to be deployed as a center-forward instead of Xuan Son. The young striker has scored 5 goals since the start of the tournament and is in good form. Hai Long and Hoang Hen may take the wing positions. Xuan Son is likely to be kept on the bench as a potential game-changer in the second half.

The encounter in Kuala Lumpur is expected to be a considerable test for Vietnam. Malaysia enjoys home advantage and a physical style of play, while Vietnam boasts squad depth and a superior head-to-head record.

Expected lineups for Malaysia vs Vietnam

Malaysia (4-3-3): Azri Ghani; Rodney Celvin Akwensivie, Ubaidullah Shamsul, Alif Ahmad, Ruventhiran Vengadesan; Endrick dos Santos, Ezequiel Aguero, Paulo Josue; Mohamadou Sumareh, Syafiq Ahmad, Pavithran Gunalan.

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