K-League Classic 2017 Round 16 Previews – Sunday Fixtures

K League Classic 2017 Round 16 Previews (Sunday June 25th)

Yesterday’s matches produced a couple of hugely unpredictable results as we had victory for Incheon as they earned a huge 3 points down in Ulsan and a pretty comprehensive thumping for Pohang as they left Jeju on the end of a 3-0 battering. It also seen Jeonnam run out 2-1 victors in their match against Gwangju, Jair converting a penalty to secure the points. 

Moving onto the day’s action and it’s time for some brief previews and predictions for this Sunday’s clashes.

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Suwon Bluewings vs. Gangwon @ 6pm

The first game on Sunday evening is between Suwon Bluewings and Gangwon as 6th welcomes 5th to town in a match that will really test Gangwon’s credentials as a serious ACL contender. The Bluewings have been erratic of late having only won three from five losing to rivals Jeonbuk and more importantly Seoul in recent weeks. They have struggled to find any consistency and main striker Johnathon really needs to start playing less for himself and more for the team if they are to mount a title challenge. Gangwon, who had looked deadly of late, crashed to a crushing 4-1 defeat to Jeonbuk during the week which brought their five game winning run to a shuddering halt. They spent a lot of money during the close season and it will be interesting to see what they do now the summer transfer window has opened. Suwon won 2-1 earlier in the season but that was away from home where their best form seems to be.

Prediction:  Score Draw : Bluewings 1 –  Gangwon 1

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FC Seoul vs. Sangju Sangmu @ 7pm

The second game of the day is a mid-table clash between FC Seoul and Sangju Sangmu in a match which has a draw written all over it before I even start to preview it. Seoul are a hard side to watch this year, lacking creativity and are really struggling to score so far this season. In fact their return of 18 goals in 15 games is really poor for a team aiming to retain their title. They let Adriano and Takahagi go in the close season and while ha Dae Sung’s return will make up for the latter there has been no sign of a replacement for Adriano. It is something they need to sort out and sort out fast. Sangju, after last season’s highs, are back looking like the army teams of old and are winless in seven games now. Their form this year is strange given that, on paper, their team should be stronger than last year’s. Seoul have had the better of their military counterparts for a long time now and even though they are in their own slump they should have enough to beat them again today.

Prediction:  Home Win : Seoul 1 –  Sangju 0

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Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Daegu @ 7pm

The final game on Saturday is another between two teams at opposite ends of the table as league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai take on 10th placed Daegu. Jeonbuk have won both of the games since returning from the international break and are beginning to look every bit the league winners having notched up an incredible seven goals in two games. I’m not sure what Choi Kang Hee said or did to Edu but he’s back finding the net again and with the return of Lopez they are looking formidable. They have been the best team in Korea for some time now and if it wasn’t for their points deduction last year they would be going for a record breaking ‘four in a row’ this year. Daegu haven’t really surprised many this year with their league position but they have definitely won some fans with their attacking style of play. In Leo they have a really dangerous striker who will punish you if given any room whatsoever. They’ve drawn their last two matches with a 0-0 draw away to Seoul the most recent. On paper this should be a walkover for Jeonbuk but they might just find it tougher than many think.

Prediction:  Home Win : Jeonbuk 2 – Daegu 1

K-League Classic 2017 Round 12 Previews – Saturday Fixtures

The K-League Classic 2017 Round 12 Previews

This weekend sees the first round of evening fixtures as the heat gets too much for running around in the afternoon, although based on some recent performances we could have delayed it a little longer.

The League table going into Week 12

 

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 6pm

First up is the clash between Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonnam Dragons as two of the best performing teams of late clash. Ulsan started their 2017 campaign rather poorly but have since mounted an assault on the top of the table and have mustered three wins in the last four. They draw 0-0 against Jeonbuk last weekend but continued their strong run of form midweek by dispatching runaway Challenge leaders Gyeongnam from the FA Cup. Jeonnam have stuttered a little in the league recently and fell to a crushing 3-1 home defeat to Suwon Bluewings last week. They did however win in the cup on Wednesday as they knocked Daejeon out courtesy of a 2-1 victory. Jeonnam utterly embarrassed Ulsan last time out as they battered them 5-0, Jair the hero that day.

Prediction: Home Win : Ulsan  2 – Jeonnam 1

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FC Seoul vs. Gangwon @ 7pm

The 1st of the 7 o’clock game comes from Seoul World Cup Stadium as FC Seoul host Gangwon in a match they hope will bring some much needed smile to their supporter’s faces. Out the ACL, trailing in the league, all eyes were on the FA Cup as they hoped to make it four finals in four years. Alas that wasn’t to be as they lost on penalties to a plucky Busan team to potentially consign themselves to a first trophy-less season since 2014. They come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Sangju in a match they twice came from behind in. Gangwon have begun to look a little better in the league over the past couple of weeks and have won two in a row, that ‘purple patch’ however was halted midweek as they crashed out of the cup at home to Seongnam FC. When the teams met in early March it was Seoul who emerged the victors as they came home with a 1-0 victory, a similarly tight contest again wouldn’t surprise anyone.

Prediction:  Home Win : Seoul 1 – Gangwon 0

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Sangju Sangmu vs. Suwon Bluewings @ 7pm

Next up we have 8th versus 5th as Sangju Sangmu welcome Suwon Bluewings to town. Sangju slipped out of the top half of the table last weekend as they were held at home to Seoul, although in fairness that result did see them stop a two game losing streak becoming three. They gathered themselves together midweek to beat challenge side Bucheon and knock them out of the FA Cup in what was being tipped, by some, as a potential ‘giant killing’ for Bucheon. The Bluewings have won four from the last five in the league and find themselves above rivals FC Seoul in the table for the first time in quite a while. They won at Jeonnam last week as forgotten man Santos reminded Seo Jung Won exactly why he won the Golden Boot a mere three seasons ago. The last time the teams met it finished 0-0 and there really isn’t much between the two on paper.

Prediction : Draw : Sangju 1 Bluewings 1

 

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Daegu vs. Jeju United @ 7pm

The final game on Saturday evening is a top v bottom clash as lowly Daegu host 2nd placed Jeju United. Daegu have now lost three games in a row and are firmly caught up in the relegation battle as many expected. They aren’t actually as poor a team as their league position would suggest and have scored twice the number of goals that 10th placed Gwangju have, but it’s their inability to keep the ball out of their own net that is costing them dearly. Jeju stumbled last weekend as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Pohang. That was only their 2nd defeat of the season and will more than likely be seen by most as merely a blip. They are an incredibly dangerous team and given the aforementioned defensive frailties of Daegu, could run up the proverbial cricket score this weekend.  The last time the teams met it was a rip-roaring 4-2 victory for Jeju with all six goals coming from foreign players.

Prediction : Away Win : Daegu 1 – Jeju 3

K-League Classic Round 11 Previews – Sunday Fixtures

Now that the Asian Champions League is all but over for Korea this year it’s time to turn all eyes to the bread and butter of the K-League Classic. Today sees four games featuring all the teams from the midweek ACL matches.

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Sangju Sangmu vs. FC Seoul @ 3pm

The first game of the day sees the army team of Sangju Sangmu host FC Seoul in a match which sees two teams lacking somewhat in confidence clash. Sangju have been poor of late losing their last two games and dropping down into the Relegation Group as they currently occupy 8th spot. Seoul have also been poor this year and lack the creative spark in the middle of the pitch needed. They did however beat Urawa Reds in  a ‘dead rubber’ in the ACL during the week but I think fans of both teams would’ve struggled to name more than a handful of players on either team such were the sweeping changes made. There were some epic clashes between the two last year so here’s hoping for another cracker today.

Prediction: Score Draw : Sangju 1 – Seoul 1

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 3pm

Next up is the first Hyundai Derby of 2017  between Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonnam Hyundai in a match which has slightly more importance this year than last. Ulsan have recently found some decent league form winning three games on the bounce and picking up a confidence booster midweek as they defeated Brisbane in the ACL. Jeonbuk, by contrast, have been rocky of late and  won for the first time in three games last weekend beating Daegu and are currently joint top with early leaders Jeju. It was almost impossible to separate the two teams last year and today could be another close affair.
Prediction:  Score Draw : Ulsan 1 – Jeonbuk 1

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Pohang Steelers vs. Jeju United @ 3pm

The third and final 3pm kick off comes from the confines of the POSCO Steelyard as Pohang Steelers welcome league leaders Jeju United to town in what must be the game of the week. Pohang ended a losing run of three games by coming back from two goals behind to beat a beleaguered FC Seoul. Seoul did find themselves down to 10 men in the match but considering they’ve been on the end of many a favourable decision of late they can’t complain too much. Table toppers Jeju were the only K League side to progress from the ACL group stages and have been having a pretty perfect season so far. They look dangerous on all fronts and almost always look in control. They’ve scored a pretty incredible 8 goals in their last two league games beating both Jeonbuk and Sangju easily. Jeju thrashed Pohang twice last year but Pohang are a different team in 2017.

Prediction: Away Win : Pohang 1 – Jeju 2

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Jeonnam Dragons vs. Suwon Bluewings @ 5pm

The final Sunday afternoon game is between two mid-table sides as Jeonnam Dragons host Suwon Bluewings in the 5pm kick-off. Jeonnam have bounced back from a nightmare start to 2017 and have won four from the last five in the league and  utterly destroyed  Gwangju last weekend running out 5-0 winners with Jair taking the match ball home with him. The Bluewings have been disappointing in the opening rounds and even though they went on a 3 game winning run they, rather predictably, lost to Ulsan last Saturday. Last year there was a 3-0 thrashing for Suwon sandwiched between two draws, this year it’s too tough to call.

Prediction:  Score Draw : Jeonnam 2 – Suwon 2

K-League Classic 2017 Week 6 Previews

 

If there is one thing that we learned form Round 5 it’s that when football sucks it REALLY sucks as we witnessed only two wins last weekend with all four matches on the Saturday finishing with the points shared. The hotly anticipated Seoul/Jeju match in particular did more to increase alcohol sales then any 4 for 10,000W GS promo could never achieve. 

There are only two matches being played on the Saturday this weekend due to the midweek ACL exertions. 

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Incheon United vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 3pm

First up on Saturday is a trip to Incheon Football Stadium where Incheon United welcome bottom side Jeonnam Dragons to town in a battle of the ‘winless’. Incheon have lost twice and drawn three times so far this season but have played better than their record would suggest to be honest. They have shown a battling quality when needed but unfortunately have also been suicidal at the back at times. They lost 2-0 down at Pohang last Sunday although they played the whole 2nd half with ten men. Han Suk Jong was sent off in controversial circumstances and that red card has since been rescinded.  Jeonnam  have had an alarmingly poor start to the season losing all of their matches so far, shipping twelve goals in the process. Last weekend they lost in Daegu which could have been so much worse if Incheon hadn’t also lost. Last season Jeonnam were undefeated in this fixture and the head to head says they are pretty much on a par.
Prediction: Draw : Incheon 1 – Jeonnam 1

 

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Pohang Steelers vs. Daegu @ 3pm

The second game of the day comes from The Steelyard as a resurgent Pohang Steelers host new boys Daegu. Pohang seem to have have managed to put last year’s horrendous season behind them and have had a pretty sweet start to the season winning three games while being the league’s highest scorers to boot with ten goals in five games. A lot of their success comes down to the goal scoring exploits of Yang Dong Hyun who has hit the net four times already. Daegu have surprised more than a few people this year with their performances so far and are undefeated since the opening game of the season with three draws before their victory over Jeonnam last weekend. They currently occupy 7th spot, only the solitary point adrift of Ulsan in 6th. Pohang won the last four meetings between the teams and in fact have only lost five times in thirty-two matches.
Prediction: Home Win : Pohang 2 – Incheon 1

Quickly on to the Super Sunday and we have Jeonbuk joining the four ACL teams in what should be a fantastic day of football….well unless like me you are at Tancheon!

 

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Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Sangju Sangmu @ 3pm

The first 3 o’clock kick off on Sunday comes from the Jeonju Civil Stadium as Jeonbuk play host to Sangju. Jeonbuk have started the season well and have won three and drawn two of their opening five  games as they bid to reclaim their crown. They have been blessed by some stellar performances from full-back Kim Jin Su who has made the official K-League ‘Team of the Week’ four out of the five so far. He has definitely been the ‘buy of the season’. They drew last week with The Wookie scoring, Kim Jin Su the supplier.  Sangju are replicating their fine 2016 form and are currently sitting pretty in 4th place after going undefeated since losing their opening match. They drew 0-0 at The Big Bird last weekend and definitely have players capable of pulling something special out the bag. Jeonbuk won both home ties last year with an emphatic 4-1 victory towards the end of the season

Prediction: Home Win : Jeonbuk 1 – Sangju 0

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Jeju United vs. Gangwon @ 3pm

Next up we travel to the island paradise of Jeju and to Seogwipo, as Jeju United host Gangwon as league leaders take on 8th place. Jeju looked almost unbeatable in the early weeks of the season winning their opening three games also looking impressive in the ACL and it’s unfair to say the wheels have come off but their form of late hasn’t been great. They have drawn their last two league matches albeit against Jeonbuk and Seoul respectively but they lost 3-1 at home to Adelaide in the ACL midweek.  Gangwon haven’t won since the opening game of the season and all that pre-season bluster seems to be blowing up in their face. Last time the teams met was in 2013 with Gangwon winning 3-0 that day, although the head to head is slightly in Jeju’s favour.
Prediction: Home Win : Jeju 2 – Gangwon 1

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Suwon Bluewings vs. Gwangju @ 3pm

Our third Super Sunday battle comes from The Big Bird of Suwon World Cup Stadium, where Suwon Bluewings welcome Gwangju. For a team predicted by many to be title contenders The Bluewings have been woeful in the league and are still searching for that elusive first league win. The have drawn four times and lost the other. However their ACL form has been much better with them hammering Hong Kong’s Eastern 5-0 during the week. Gwangju are one of those footballing enigmas, they aren’t great but the aren’t bad either, they are more than capable of pulling off an upset when they are on their game. They came from behind last weekend to snatch a point against Ulsan and might just have enough about to get something in this one too. They drew three times last year with Gwangju winning the fourth clash.

Prediction: Draw : Suwon 1 – Gwangju 1

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. FC Seoul @ 3pm

The final game of the day and probably the highlight of the weekend comes from Ulsan as two ACL teams go head to head in the battle of 6th v 5th. Ulsan have had yet another mixed bag of a season, retching from the sublime to the downright ordinary.  They come into the match on the back of a 1-1 league draw at home to Gwangju and a confidence-destroying 1-0 defeat in Thailand in the ACL. With the players at their disposal there is no hiding from the fact they are under performing. Seoul  have also struggled this year and were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Jeju last weekend. They did come back from Australia with all 3pts after defeating WSW 3-2 but even that victory was marred as they conceded two late goals. Even though Dejan scored a brace in the match it was his Brazilian strike partner Maurinho who took all the plaudits as he put in a performance that could and should see him start this one. Seoul had the upper hand over their hosts last season wining twice, with both teams midweek exploits we could see a couple of tired teams on the pitch.
Prediction: Draw : Ulsan 1 – Seoul 1

K-League Classic 2017 Week 4 Predictions

The K-League Classic returns this weekend following the international break while matches are coming thick and fast for the Challenge players after their mid-week FA Cup exertions. It’s been a good start for the ‘Super J’s’ of Jeju and Jeonbuk and yet another disappointing opening from the Bluewings. This weekend sees old foes Jeonbuk and Seoul go head to head for the first time this year and sees the aforementioned Bluewings head to Incheon Stadium for a warm-up before their 4th round FA Cup clash.

 

 

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Incheon United vs. Suwon Bluewings @ 3pm

The game of the day on Saturday comes from Incheon Stadium as Suwon Bluewings come to town for the first of two visits this month, the FA Cup 4th Round tie being on April 19th. Incheon haven’t looked great in their opening games of the season although they do sit above their rather more illustrious opponents in the table.  They were able to hold Jeonbuk to a goalless draw two weeks ago and are often a tough nut to crack at home. Kim Dae Kyung grabbed a brace in round 2 against Daegu and given the void created by the departure of Kevin Oris it’s going to take someone to step up to the plate. Suwon Bluewings are level on points with Incheon but sit below them on goal difference.  After a positive pre-season flurry of transfers its safe to say that the Bluewings are yet again underachieving. They drew 1-1 at home to new boys Daegu last time out and that equalizer came courtesy Johnathon scoring from the rebound after his penalty was saved.  Bluewings won 3-2 last November and have amazingly won this tie twenty-one times although last season they certainly found it tough going with three draws to go with that November victory.
Prediction: Score Draw : Incheon 2 – Bluewings 2

 

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Jeonnam Dragons vs. Pohang Steelers @ 3pm

Next up we have a trip to Gwangyang Stadium for Pohang as Jeonnam welcome them to town after what has been a miserable start for the Dragons. Jeonnam have started their 2017 campaign by losing all three of their games so far and they also have the worst defensive record in the league to boot conceding seven goals in three games. Both their goals thus far have come from their new signing Feczesin. He also came close in the last round as they succumbed to a free-flowing Jeju team. They have looked incredibly shaky at the back at times and need to plug those gaps ASAP.  Pohang have started 2017 like they played all thru 2016, erratic and unpredictable. So far they have managed one win, one draw and one defeat, which is obviously not the hat-trick they were hoping for. They drew 2-2 in Gwangju in the last round after fighting from a goal down to take the lead and then surrender it again.  The head to head is fairly even although the Steelers did fail to beat Jeonnam last year, losing two and drawing one. Is 2017 to be the year of revenge?

Prediction: Away Win : Jeonnam 1 – Pohang 2

 

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Sangju Sangmu vs. Daegu @ 3pm

The final 3 o’clock kick off on Saturday comes from the Sangju Stadium, where Sangju Sangmu host Daegu. Sangju lost their opening game of the season to Gangwon , but have since gone from strength to strength and have won their last two matches with Joo Min Kyu and Kim Ho Nam looking sharp. The army team currently occupies fourth place in the table and you have to imagine that they will be there or there about  come season end. They come into the match on the back of a 1-0 away win down in Ulsan and look like a team that is beginning to gel. Daegu have drawn their previous two matches against both Incheon and Suwon Bluewings with the latter being a tad unexpected. They actually took the lead at The Big Bird, Cessinha the hero, but were undone by a Johnathon penalty. In the match against Incheon they also threw away a lead and that must be a worry for their fans and manager alike. The head to head in this one is interesting as Daegu have by far the upper hand but then there have been some utterly honking Army teams down the years, this one definitely isn’t.

Prediction: Home Win : Sangju 2 – Daegu 1

Next up we have the Sunday fixtures with the highlight undoubtedly being down in Jeonju as FC Seoul come to town.

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Jeonbuk Motors vs. FC Seoul @ 3pm

Last years title rivals clash for the first time this season as Seoul make the trip South to Jeonju albeit to the rather unfamiliar surroundings of the Jeonju Civil Stadium. Jeonbuk have made a good start to the season and sit in second place 2pts adrift of league leaders Jeju. They had a minor slip up in the last round when they drew 0-0 at Incheon but in fairness they did everything but score that day. Their first big test of the season should have been against Suwon Bluewings at the Big Bird but the hosts never really turned up that day so it’ll be interesting to see how they do against a Seoul team who also look a pale shadow of last year’s Champions. Seoul come into the match on the back of a rather fortuitous double penalty victory over Gwangju in a match which resulted in an indefinite ban for the referee. They have really failed to impress this season and although often tagged as “slow starters” you wonder if they possess the quality in their ranks to really be a force. In Dejan and Go Yo Han they have players capable of winning matches from nowhere and new recruit Lee Sang Ho looks a good addition. It is at the back though that they look as frail as me the morning after a Yeouido tent. The pitch in the Civil Stadium was shocking last time out and that might impact again this week but you do get the feeling that Jeonbuk just have the edge.

Prediction : Home Win : Jeonbuk 2 – Seoul 1

 

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Ulsan Hyundai v Gangwon FC @ 3pm

Our second match on Sunday is a clash between two teams that were being hotly tipped for success in the close-season only to disappoint come the real thing. Ulsan started brightly enough and we can talk all day about their annihilation of Brisbane Roar in the ACL but it is closer to home where they have been found lacking. They lost in the last round at home to Sangju and that was their second defeat on the bounce after losing to Jeju. It will be the lack of goals in those two matches that you would imagine would be of most concern to manager Kim Do Hoon. His team has many an attacking outlet and so to go 180 mins without a goal should set alarm bells ringing. Gangwon are also not living up to their lofty and often arrogant assertions of where they would finish in the table. They won their opening match but have since lost and drawn at home to Seoul and Pohang respectively. They did come from behind in the last round to steal a point from The Steelers (see what I did there) and that might give them a little extra confidence travelling to Ulsan. Ulsan are quite a bit ahead on the head to head and you get the feeling that if they can click they will be a force.

Prediction : Home Win : Ulsan 1- Gangwon 0

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Jeju United v Gwangju FC @ 3pm

The final match on Sunday sees league leaders Jeju host Gwangju FC in a match which on paper should be as predictable as a Stephen King novel (spoiler alert it’s always aliens). Jeju have been a revelation this year with their cavalier and often free-flowing football. They won 2-0 against Jeonnam in the last round but it could have been any number of goals as wave after wave of orange shirts caused havoc. They seem to be capable of scoring from anywhere on the pitch and with Park Jin Po rampaging up the left flank they pose a real threat. It should be noted though that they are yet to concede a goal so it’s not all just about the attacking power they have. Gwangju are sitting in seventh in the table but are on a two game losing streak, although they really should have got something at Seoul in the last round. They do look a little naive in defence and without Jung Jo Gook up front they also lack that killer instinct needed to secure a win. They seemed to have the measure of Jeju last year, winning twice and also knocking them out the FA Cup. That could all be a distant memory come 5pm on Sunday though.

 

Prediction : Home Win : Jeju 2 – Gwangju 0

K-League Classic 2017 Week 3 Predictions

 

Week 2 of the K-League saw the Super J’s of Jeonbuk and Jeju United continue on their winning ways with huge wins over the Bluewings and Ulsan respectively, even at this early stage they do both look a cut above the rest in the league. Seoul came back from the ski jump resort with a win and Jeonnam had another dismal day at work as they fell to a confidence-sapping 3-1 defeat at home to the Army with Joo Min Kyu netting his first goal of his military service.

 

Son Heung Min excited about Week 3 of the K-League

K-League Classic 2017 Week 3 Previews and Predictions

 

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Gangwon vs. Pohang Steelers @ 3pm

Depending on where you look this match may or may not be postponed but I’ll preview it just in case, it’s our second trip of the season to the Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium as Gangwon welcome Pohang to the Korean Alps. Last weekend didn’t go according to plan for the newly promoted Classic team as FC Seoul came to town and left with all 3pts. A lot of the talk was about the goings on off the pitch as there were more than one or two issues for those hoping to see their heroes. On the pitch it was a pretty dour affair and neither team could have complained about a scoreless draw. Yet again a poor pitch played a huge part in the proceedings and with an extra week (or more if the match is truly postponed) hopefully things will be better. Pohang grabbed their first points of 2017 with a 2-0 home victory over Gwangju courtesy of a Yang Dong Hyun brace. Last year they were woefully inconsistent, they will need to rectify that if they want to avoid another year in the doldrums of the Relegation Group.  The head to head is totally in Pohang’s favour, with the last two matches seeing them rack up seven goals with no reply.

Prediction: Away Win : Gangwon 1 – Pohang 2

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Incheon United vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 3pm

The other match on Saturday sees a rather fragile and shaky looking Incheon host Jeonbuk in what will probably be a ‘backs to the wall’ performance from the home team. Incheon haven’t looked great in their opening two games of the season, but, just like last season, they showed their spirit with a  comeback from 2 goals down against Daegu last week. They’ve looked like leaking goals almost every time a team attacks them but are definitely capable of grabbing the odd goal themselves. Last week they had Kim Dae Kyung to thank for saving their blushes as his last minute penalty sent them back up the road with a point. Jeonbuk have had a perfect start to the 2017 season beating both Jeonnam and Suwon Bluewings, with the latter barely requiring them to break sweat. They easily brushed Bluewings aside at The Big Bird with goals from Kim Bo Kyung and Lee Jae Sung making even the most ardent Leonardo fan begin to forget him. The match was marred by a shocking challenge on Lee Seung Ki, but Jeonbuk do look every bit the title challengers and it’s already looking like it will take something special to stop them marching to the title. Last time out Jeonbuk beat Incheon 3-1 however over the years the head-to-head record is pretty even.

Prediction: Away Win : Incheon 1 – Jeonbuk 2

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. Sangju Sangmu @ 3pm

The first game of ‘Super Sunday’ comes from Ulsan as they take on the Army side of Sangju Sangmu as 8th hosts 4th. Ulsan come into the match short of confidence having lost 3-0 last weekend in the league against Jeju United and then drawing at home to Muangthong United in the ACL. That annihilation of Brisbane Roar is already paling into the background and it is exactly this inconsistency which plagued their fans last year. It has now been over 180 mins since they last hit the net and although not exactly time to run panicking into the night it is something of a concern.  Sangju are level on points with Ulsan after bouncing back from losing week one by romping Jeonnam 3-1 last weekend with the highlight being that Joo Min Kyu strike.  The two teams are evenly matched and it could be a really tight match. Ulsan have had it easy over their previous meetings with 24 wins from 36 matches but interestingly it was honors even last year, one thing is for sure there should be goals as both teams have lethal forwards.

Prediction: Score Draw : Ulsan 1 – Sangju 1

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Suwon Bluewings vs. Daegu @ 3pm

Next up we have our second visit of the season to Suwon World Cup Stadium as The Bluewings take on Daegu in a match which on paper the hosts should be winning every time. Suwon, like 2016, have had a poor start to their league season drawing the ‘Super Match’ in week 1 and then losing at home last weekend to Jeonbuk. They beat Eastern in the ACL 1-0 during the week but even that was somewhat closer than it should have been and took the introduction of Johnathan and Yeom from the bench to garner the win. They were incredibly pedestrian against Jeonbuk last weekend and look as though the same ailments from last season are still afflicting them. Daegu lost their opening game and then last weekend let a 2 goal lead slip to draw against Incheon to draw 2-2. Their goals came from Leo and Cesinha but it will be that lapse at the back which will be playing on their minds come kick-off. Suwon won 2-0 back in August 2013 when they last met and over the head to head haven’t lost since 2009.
Prediction: Home Win : Bluewings 2 – Daegu 0

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FC Seoul vs. Gwangju @ 3pm

The final 3 o’clock kick off on Sunday comes from the Seoul World Cup Stadium, and features FC Seoul versus  Gwangju. FC Seoul rught now look a team devoid of confidence, creativity and guile as they suffered a 3rd straight ACL defeat mid-week and all but resigned themselves to crashing out of the group stages.  In the league they’ve notched up four points from their opening two games but have impressed nobody in either game. Dejan was the hero last week down in Gangwon and he is always going to be Mr. Reliable but it is the performance of Yoo Hyun in goals that is proving costly to the Champions. Gwangju won their opening game but lost last weekend down in The Steelyard and although they are a plucky team they do lack that killer ball and little bit of imagination that wins matches. Seoul won all four games last year and even though they are struggling for form it would be folly to look beyond them repeating the same feat this year too.
Prediction: Home Win : Seoul 2 – Gwangju 0

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Jeju United vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 5pm

Rounding off the weekend we have the late afternoon Sunday game from the Jeju World Cup Stadium between Jeju United and Jeonnam Dragons. Jeju traveled to Adelaide during the week on ACL duty and came back with a credible draw although having led twice in the match they might feel that it was more two points lost than one gained. They’ve had a perfect start to the Classic this year with two wins from two and look very much like the only team who will push Jeonbuk for the title. Not only are they scoring for fun but they are still to concede in the league. It is going forward though they they look incredible and are capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the pitch.  Jeonnam are the complete mirror image of that and have had the worst possible start to the season with two defeats from two. They might have felt bad after losing the Jeolla Derby in the last minute but losing 3-1 at home to Sangju was unacceptable and they rightly languish at the foot of the table. The head to head is reasonably split with Jeju just edging it, last time out though it was Jeju who emerged the victors winning 5-3 back in October.
Prediction: Home Win : Jeju 2 – Jeonnam 0

K-League Classic 2017 Week 2 Predictions

Last week was the opening weekend of the 2017 K-League season and it raised several talking points from poor pitches to shocking strips, petulant players to fabulous free-kicks, disappointing draws to last-minute losers.  This week we have the first match ever to be played in a ski-jump resort, the battle of two high-flying ACL teams and the always eventful first trip to the Big Bird for Jeonbuk. It’s shaping up to be a cracker!!

The K-League Classic 2017 Round 2 – Previews

 

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Daegu vs. Incheon United @ 2pm

The early kick-off on Saturday sees newcomers Daegu welcome Incheon Unitd to town in a clash which is more than likely going to be regarded as a relegation dogfight in the final rounds of the season.  The match will mark Daegu’s first home Classic game in four years as they epitomize the struggles teams can face when they make the dreaded ‘drop down a division’. They lost last weekend against Gwangju as they fell to a first half strike from Cho Sung Jun but in fairness it was a pretty dire affair. They will need to put in a few sterling performances over the year if they are to avoid being the latest yo-yo club in Korea with home form being the key to putting up a challenge. Incheon also lost last weekend at home to Jeju in what was a lot closer a match than many had predicted. They will be another team that will need to get big results and you get the feeling that after being close the last couple of years this might just be their year for the playoffs. Daegu generally struggle in this tie and you have to go back five calendar years for their last victory.
Prediction: Away Win : Daegu 0 –  Incheon 1

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Suwon Bluewings vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 3pm

Undoubtedly the game of the day on Saturday will take place at  Suwon World Cup Stadium as Jeonbuk come to town in what are generally close and hotly contested affairs. Bluewings visited Seoul last weekend in the ‘Super Match’ and will probably have been slightly disappointed that they drew 1-1 after leading for most of the first half courtesy of a Lee Min Woo strike. The normally reliable Johnathon had a bit of a nightmare match as he had more than a couple of chances to put Suwon out of sight but snatched at each one. They were prone to throwing away victories last season and that does look like it could haunt them again this year. Jeonbuk won the Jeolla Derby on Sunday on a ridiculously unplayable pitch, they led through Kim Jin Su but it took a last minute winner from The Wookie to seal the points after debut-boy Fecsezin had bundled the ball over the line to equalize for Jeonnam. It really was tough to judge them such was the state of the pitch so this one might give us more of an insight into how strong they’ll be this year. Jeonbuk had the upper hand in 2016 but then Bluewings were utterly honking for most of last season.

Prediction: Score Draw : Bluewings 2 – Jeonbuk 2

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Jeju United vs. Ulsan Hyundai @ 3pm

Just like The Supermatch  last week we have another all Asian Champions League battle this week between arguably the two in-form Korean teams right now of Jeju and Ulsan. Jeju come into the match having won their opening game on their travels against a plucky  Incheon but it was by far their destruction of Gamba Osaka in Japan that has caught the eye. The winning goal last week came from new boy  Magno Cruz, but the victory was marred by the late sending off of Park Jin Po for a double yellow card. Ulsan also won last weekend beating Pohang with a Jung Jae Yong brace securing the win. Ulsan have looked impressive so far with new signing Orsic looking like he is going to have a major role in their tactics. The matches have been close over the last few years although Jeju have the slight upper hand and are always tough at home. There is a lot of firepower on both sides and this one could be a high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Home Win : Jeju 2 – Ulsan 1

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Gangwon vs. FC Seoul @ 3pm

The final match on Saturday is also the first of a kind as it will become the first  game of the season from the Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium which will be the 2017 home of Gangwon FC. A lot of the close-season focus has been on Gangwon as they have brought in several key players so it was fitting that they won their opening game of the season beating the Army 2-1. That match saw Lee Keun-Ho score both goals against his old side either side of a Kim Ho Nam strike. With their ticket pricing being based on opposition it will be interesting to see how many fans make the trip. Seoul drew their opening game 1-1 in the Super Match against Suwon Bluewings and had ex-Suwon favorite Lee Sang Ho to thank as he pounced on a Yun Il Rok shot to poke the ball over the line. Seoul haven’t exactly been on fire so far this year and in fact look both slow and predictable in midfield and up front. They might struggle again today against a team who feel like they have a lot to prove in the season ahead. It’s been four years since they last met with Seoul the conquerors back then.
Prediction: Score Draw : Gangwon 1 – Seoul 1

There are also two matches being played on the Sunday.

 

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Jeonnam v Sangju

The first of Sunday’s games sees the two surprise teams of 2016 go head to head for the first time this year as Jeonnam Dragons welcome Sangju to town. Both teams had unexpected top-six finishes last year and it will be interesting to see if they can build on that this year. Jeonnam didn’t have the best of starts to 2017, losing the Jeolla Derby to Jeonbuk with virtually the last touch of the ball. They are pretty much the dark horse of the Classic, flying under the radar of big name signings but building a team that is often tough to beat. Sangju also lost 2-1 last week, falling at home to Gangwon. On paper though they seem to have a stronger squad than last season with some ‘big hitters’ opting for military service this year. They should be able to keep themselves up the table once they all find their feet…and their teammate. Over the years Jeonnam have had by far the upper hand in this fixture winning twenty-one of the thirty-five matches played, it wouldn’t be surprising for this one to follow that same pattern.

Prediction: Home Win : Jeonnam 2 – Sangju 1

 

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Pohang v Gwangju 

The second game of the day comes from the Steelyard as probably the most disappointing team of 2016 gets set to welcome Gwangju to the POSCO grounds. Pohang cut a forlorn figure much of last year and given their opening weekend defeat to Ulsan it looks like they might yet again resemble the bridesmaid that can’t get a dance. They didn’t really seem at the races last week and given the size and stature of the club another year in the bottom six isn’t going to wash with fans and owners alike.  Gwangju won their opening match but it was against newly promoted and relegation favourites Daegu so it might not really be a sign of things to come.  The game won’t win ‘match of the day’ anytime soon and it was one of those games where the final whistle was welcomed with as big a cheer as the single goal. The Gwangju fixture might just be Pohang’s ‘goto match’ as they have lost only once in thirteen meetings and you have to go all the way back to 2006 for that solitary Gwangju victory, stranger things have happened in football….but not many.
Prediction: Home Win : Pohang 1 – Gwangju 0