K-League Classic 2017 Round 23 Previews (Saturday Fixtures)

The K-League Classic 2017 Round 23 Predictions – Saturday Fixtures

It’s been a crazy busy time in the K-League’s top division as we’ve seen midweek games for the last couple of weeks. This sudden flurry of fixtures has seen a slight gap open up at the top of the table as Jeonbuk, Ulsan and Suwon start to put some light between themselves and the chasing pack. We’ve also seen a resurgent Seoul team claw themselves back into the ACL contest just as we’ve seen Pohang free-fall down the table and into the relegation group.

This weekend sees a final round of fixtures before we take a short break in proceedings so moving onto the days action, below are some brief previews and predictions for this Saturdays upcoming clashes.

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Gwangju vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 7pm

The first game of the weekend is between two relegation group teams, as bottom side Gwangju welcome Jeonnam to town. Gwangju have been having a nightmare of late and have now lost three games straight and are in the kind of trouble that most people expected them to be in the last two seasons. In order to bail them out they signed ex-Aberdeen and Celtic player Niall McGinn. He hasn’t really had any time to make an impact but he’ll need to be at his best soon if he is to drag them to safety. It’s not all rosy at Jeonnam either as they haven’t been doing much better with a solitary win in their last five games. They were easily beaten 4-1 at Suwon midweek as they were cut apart time and time again by the pace and guile of Yeom Ki Hun and Johnathan. Jeonnam have won the previous two clashes between the teams and on paper will have the edge, although a huge factor though will be if Jair is fit as he missed out against The Bluewings and they severely need him back.

Prediction: Away Win : Gwangju  1 – Jeonanm 2

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon United @ 7pm

The second game of the day is a tussle between two teams having hugely contrasting seasons as high flying Ulsan and struggling Incheon United clash. Ulsan have won their last three games on the bounce although they haven’t exactly been against the toughest of opposition. Their last defeat was to league leaders Jeonbuk when they were royally spanked 4-0. Even though they sit 2nd in the table they have a goal difference of -1 which goes to prove that they are not exactly solid at the back, or consistent.  Incheon come into the match after being hammered during the week as they fell 5-1 to FC Seoul, yet again. Reports from that match suggest that Incheon were pretty horrendous at the back throughout and will need to tighten up against a team like Ulsan if they are to avoid another heavy defeat.  These sides played at the end of last month when Incheon ran out 2-1 winners, a repeat for them today would tend to be unlikely.

Prediction: Home Win : Ulsan 2 – Incheon 0

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Jeju United vs. Pohang Steelers @ 7pm

The final game on Saturday comes from Jeju and is between Jeju United and Pohang Steelers in a match which only a few months ago was a table topping clash. Jeju still seem to be struggling to find any real consistency although they have won two of their last three games but this was a team that at the start of the season looked real title contenders. They bounced back from losing at home to Seoul by defeating Sangju 3-0 away, Yoon Bitgaram netting his first goal since returning from China. Pohang, on the other hand have been dismal of late and have now lost their last three games, including a shock 3-0 defeat to 10th place Daegu midweek. They also brought back a former hero in the shape of Kim Seung Dae but you get the feeling it will take more than that to hoist them back up the table. Both teams have won their home clashes this season, could we see the same again?

Prediction: Home Win: Jeju 2 – Pohang 1

K-League Classic 2017 Round 16 Preview – Saturday Fixtures

K League Classic 2017 Round 16 Previews (Saturday June 24th)

The games in Korea’s top division are coming think and fast as the K-League Classic continues with the third set of matches in the space of a week. As teams begin to go clear at both ends of the table it’s fair to day that the mid-table group couldn’t be any closer as we approach the halfway stage of the season. With three matches on both Saturday and Sunday the  standout game on the Saturday is Jeju United vs. Pohang Steelers as both teams battle to stay in touch with leaders Jeonbuk.

The K-League Classic Table after Round 15

First up we have that ‘match of the day’. 

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Jeju United vs. Pohang Steelers @ 6pm

As mentioned above the match of the day for the neutrals will almost certainly be the top of the table clash between Jeju United and Pohang Steelers as both teams try and find a little bit of consistency. Jeju have lost both games since returning after the international break and added to their Asian Champions League exit they are looking like a shadow of the free-scoring team from early season. They lost away at Ulsan midweek and as if that wasn’t bad enough they also saw top scorer Marcelo depart for pastures new in the J-League. Jeju have a reputation of being able to pluck decent foreigner players from obscurity and so will probably be confident in replacing Marcelo over time but he will be a huge loss right now. Pohang on the other hand halted a run of two losses in a row when they defeated Incheon on Wednesday evening running out 3-0 winners. Yang Dong Hyun continued his fine scoring form as he scored two, although probably not knowing much about his first tbh. He is now the Classic’s top scorer and has been attracting interest from China although he seems keen to remain at Pohang for now. Pohang won the first clash of the season 2-1, goals from the aforementioned Marcelo and Yang, Jeju is a tough place to go though and they could just cancel each other out.

Prediction:  Score Draw : Jeju 1 – Pohang 1

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Gwangju vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 7pm

Next up we have a bottom of the table tussle between Gwangju and Jeonnam Dragons as eleventh place hosts ninth in a match that, on paper, isn’t going to threaten the KBO’s grip on it’s TV monopoly. Gwangju have been on a quite horrendous run and haven’t won in six games, their last victory being that hugely surprising win over Jeonbuk back in April. It’s not just a lack of winning though that’s worrying it’s their lack of ability to find the net, having incredibly only scored nine goals in the league all season. Jeonnam are a strange one this year, they either thump teams or get thumped by teams, there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground with them. In fact they drew for the first time this season during the week when they drew 1-1 with Sangju. In Jair though they do have a player more than capable of scoring as his 10 league goals will testify, and you get the feeling that if they could just plug the gaps at the back that they might be able to climb the table. The last time the teams met it was a resounding 5-0 victory for the Dragons, Jair with a hat-trick that day, it’s improbable that we’ll see a repeat of that scoreline this time around but you really never know with this Jeonnam team.

Prediction: Away Win: Gwangju  0 – Jeonnam 2

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Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon United @ 7pm

Last up on Saturday we have a clash between two teams who’s fortunes couldn’t be more different as two sides at opposite ends of the table meet, 2nd placed Ulsan Hyundai and bottom side Incheon United. Ulsan have won an impressive six of their last eight in the league, drawing the other two in the process. They sit 3pts clear of third placed Pohang and only 3pts adrift of table toppers Jeonbuk and look like serious title challengers. They don’t have the world’s best goal difference (-1) but they do seem capable of grinding out results when most needed. Unlike other teams in the league they are also more of a team unit and don’t seem to rely on the performances of one talismanic player.  Incheon have had a mare of a season and have only won once which was back in May when they won away in Sangju. They have been especially suspect at the back this year and this coupled with a lack of composure in front of goal is a recipe for automatic relegation. They really need to start putting points on the board, and soon, but it’s a tad unlikely that they’ll start down in Ulsan. Ulsan won the last encounter between the two as they ran out 2-1 victors, a similar scoreline this time around wouldn’t stun anyone.

Prediction:  Home Win : Ulsan 2 – Incheon 0

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 – Round 8 Sunday Fixtures

Due to some heavy commitments there isn’t much time for full previews so below are my score predictions for today’s Super Sunday fixtures.

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Jeonbuk to continue their good form in the league.

Away Win : Gwangju 0 – Jeonbuk 1

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Jeju had a good result midweek and could just have too much for Bluewings.

Home Win : Jeju 2 – Bluewings 1

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Daegu have been performing better than expected and Seoul have been poor.

Score Draw : Daegu 1 – Seoul 1

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Both teams have been struggling of late. This has all the potential for a borefest or scorefest.

Away Win : Incheon 1 – Ulsan 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 5 Predictions

 

Last week in the Classic saw the Jeju Juggernaut finally come to a halt as Gwangju came from behind to snatch a share of the spoils. Suwon continued their poor form and much to the amusement of the Incheon fans managed to blow a 3-1 lead to end up drawing 3-3. The other big talking point was Seoul coming back from Jeonju empty-handed as Jeonbuk continued their quest for their third crown in four years.

 

 

First up we have the Saturday fixtures.

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Gwangju vs. Ulsan Hyundai @ 3pm

Our first game of the day comes from Gwangju as they welcoome Ulsan Hyundai to town as 8th place take on 6th from the Guus Hiddink Stadium. Gwangju come into the match on the back of a hard-fought away draw last weekend against table toppers Jeju United. It was a rather surprising result although they did lead for most of their previous match against FC Seoul. Ulsan have been erratic this season but managed to  pick up their second win of the season in the last round with an injury time winner against Gangwon. Ulsan have a lot of potential and if they could just gel quickly you get the feeling they could mount a challenge.  Last time out they drew 1-1 towards the end of the summer although Ulsan did however win the other two matches last year and in fact have only ever lost once to Gwangju. On paper Ulsan should win although with the ACL next week they might just be a little distracted.

Prediction: Away Win : Gwangju 1 – Ulsan 2

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FC Seoul vs. Jeju United @ 3pm

Next up we have the match of the round with Seoul World Cup Stadium the battleground as FC Seoul host Jeju United in an all ACL clash. Seoul lost for the first time this season last weekend against potential title rivals Jeonbuk 1-0 and put in yet another Jekyll and Hyde performance as it took them until half-time to kick into life.They definitely lack something compared to last season and look as if they are really struggling to cope with the losses of Adriano and Takahagi. Jeju are still undefeated this season, winning three and drawing that match against Gwangju, they look a team capable of scoring for fun and with their pace and guile up front could cause their hosts all kind of problems. Last time they met it was Seoul who emerged the victors with a  2-0 victory. Seoul used to have the beating of Jeju easy and have only lost four times to them although two of them were last season. This one will be a tough one for both teams.

Prediction: Away Win : Seoul 1 – Jeju 2

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Suwon Bluewings vs. Sangju Sangmu @ 3pm

The final 3 o’clock kick off on Saturday comes from The Big Bird in Suwon as The Bluewings host Army side Sangju. Suwon have started this year much like last year much to the disappointment of their passionate fans, incredibly drawing three of their games so far this season. Last weekend they let a two goal lead fall from their grasp away to Incheon United. This prompted the Incheon fans to hold aloft a banner with ‘Seo Time’ on it in reference to Seon Jung Won losing games in the last minute akin to ‘Fergie Time’. It must be beginning to be a worry for their fans who were full of title aspirations only a few weeks ago.  Sangju have continued on from their impressive form last year and have won twice away this season although they have failed to mirror that at home having drawn and lost so far. Last time out they drew 1-1 with the other two clashes in 2016 finishing as Suwon victories.
Prediction: Draw : Suwon 1 – Sangju 1

 

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Gangwon vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 5pm

The final match on Saturday is the 5pm kick-off from the Ski Jumping home of Gangwon as they welcome Jeonbuk to town.  Alex Ferguson once famously referred to Manchester City as their “noisy neighbours” and that is exactly how Gangwon are looking so far this year. They made some huge signings in the close-season but so far the experiment is blowing up in their faces as they languish in 7th spot. They won their opening game but have since only been able to pick up a single point. Jeonbuk on the other hand are joint top of the table with three wins and a draw from the opening rounds and look like a team on a mission. Last weekend they easily dispatched of FC Seoul without really breaking too much sweat. Kim Jin Su was the difference as he smashed home another peach of a free-kick. Without the ACL to distract them they definitely look like a team determined to reclaim their crown and it’s going to take something special to stop them.
Prediction: Away Win  : Gangwon 0 – Jeonbuk 1

Next up we have the Sunday fixtures.

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Pohang Steelers vs. Incheon United @ 3pm

First up on Sunday and without a doubt the highlight match  of the day sees Pohang take on Incheon at The Steelyard. Pohang are having a far better start to 2017 than they did last year and have only lost once so far this season and that was the opening game of the campaign  against Ulsan. Since that early blip they’ve won twice and drawn once and sit in third place in the table. Incheon have yet again shown that they have a ‘never say die’ attitude first coming from behind against Daegu and then again last weekend against rivals Suwon Bluewings.  They also managed a home draw against Jeonbuk and are a tough team to beat when they put their minds to it. Last time the teams met it was Incheon who emerged the victors, defeating The Steelers 3-2. It was honours even last year and on the head to head there isn’t much between the teams.

Prediction: Home Win: Pohang 2 – Incheon 1

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Daegu vs. Jeonnam Dragons @ 3pm

The final game this Sunday afternoon has a bit of a relegation feel about it as early relegation candidates Daegu host Jeonnam. Daegu are still looking for their first win since returning to the Classic although that’s not to say that they’ve been cannon fodder for the big boys. They got a credible draw in Suwon and probably should have defeated Incheon at home. In Cesinha they have a player who knows where the goals are and he can turn a match on its head when called upon. To say Jeonnam have had a poor start is an understatement as they have  lost all four of their games conceding ten  goals in the process. They are in desperate need of getting something positive from a match and might just see Daegu as their easiest foes.  They last played each other in 2013 with Jeonnam just edging the head to head.

Prediction: Draw : Daegu 1 – Jeonnam 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