Malaysia vs Vietnam — Tips & Analysis

Vietnam +0.25: Vietnam have owned this matchup and nothing suggests that has changed. They have won the last three meetings, 2-0 and 2-0 in August and 3-1 in March. They also lead the last 14 meetings 11 wins to 2. Vietnam are in fine shape right now. They have won 12 of their last 15 games and lost only one, scoring more than 2 goals a game and letting in less than one. On the road they have won 6 of their last 7 and barely let in a goal. Malaysia are a tough side to beat. They have won 10 of their last 16 games and let in less than a goal a game. They also held Indonesia to a 0-0 in this tournament. That is why we see control here rather than a hammering. The whole tournament is being played in Indonesia, so neither side is at home and Malaysia get no crowd behind them. Vietnam are simply the better team and should have enough for this. We read this as a 0-1 Vietnam win, and that does the job for this pick. The risk is the occasion. A third place play-off invites changed teams and a flat game, and Malaysia defend well enough to win a tight one themselves. We are still with Vietnam here.