This coming weekend the K League Classic moves into Round 3 and now all of the teams have been able to settle and gain some much needed match fitness we can move forward. Once again 4 of the sides (Ulsan, Pohang, Jeonbuk & Seoul) played in the AFC Champions League this past week and therefore maybe a little more tired than the other sides.
As there has now been 6 points up for grabs the League Table is starting to form and therefore for reference here is the latest K League Classic League Table, including Points and Goal Difference:
This week (just like the previous 2 weeks) there are 6 games, 3 on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. Also all of the games are being played in the afternoon as the weather is still mild and not overly warm. Here are brief previews of this weeks K League Classic Round 3 Games;
K League Classic 2014 Round 3 Previews & Predictions
Saturday March 22nd:
Pohang Steelers vs. Suwon Bluewings (2pm)
Surprise bottom side Pohang Steelers host this weekends first game vs. Suwon Bluewings. Pohang Steelers lost for the 2nd time in 2 games last weekend 3 – 1 vs. Busan I’Park. Suwon Bluewings on the other hand rescued a point in the 94th minute at home vs. Sangju Sangmu. On paper you’d think Suwon should take this one, however Pohang Steelers looked solid in their midweek Champions league game and therefore we’re siding with a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Jeju United vs. Seongnam FC (2pm)
Hosts Jeju Untied have had a solid start to the season so far and are currently unbeaten. Seongnam FC on the other hand look to be still settling and gelling. Jeju United beat Jeonnam 2 – 1 last weekend, whilst Seongnam drew 0 – 0 vs. FC Seoul. We see Jeju taking all 3 point in this one.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Gyeongnam vs. Jeonnam Dragons (4pm)
Saturdays late game features Gyeongnam and Jeonnam Dragons who both have 1 win and 1 defeat to their names. Gyeongnam were easily beaten 3 – 0 last weekend by Ulsan, whilst Jeonnam fell 2 – 1 at home vs. Jeju United. This could be a very interesting game and either side could win, but we’re going to side with Jeonnam (just).
Prediction: 1 – 2
Sunday March 23rd:
Sangju Sangmu vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai (2pm)
In the first of Sundays games draw specialists Sangju Sangmu host unbeaten Jeonbuk Hyundai. Sangju Sangmu (Korean Army) came back from behind last weekend to sadly lose out in the final minute vs. Suwon Bluewings. Jeonbuk looked tired in their 1 – 0 win over Incheon. This will be close and we feel a draw is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: 2 – 2
FC Seoul vs. Busan I’Park (2pm)
Slow starting FC Seoul take on revived Busan I’Park in Sundays 2nd game. FC Seoul where held to a goalless draw vs. Seongnam last weekend, whilst Busan I’Park shocked many by beating reigning champions Pohang Steelers 3 – 1. This game could go either way and therefore we’re siding with a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon United (4pm)
Top of the league and currently unbeaten in all competitions Ulsan Hyundai take on Incheon United who’ve had a slow start to the season. Incheon United lost a poor match last weekend to Jeonbuk whilst Ulsan eased past Gyeongnam 3 – 0. In our opinion Ulsan should be able to take the 3 points this weekend.
Prediction: 2 – 1
K League Classic 2014 Round 3 Results
Saturday March 22nd
Pohang Steelers 2 – 1 Suwon Bluewings
Jeju United 1 – 0 Seongnam FC
Gyeongnam 2 – 3 Jeonnam Dragons
Sunday March 23rd
FC Seoul 0 – 1 Busan I’Park
Sangju Sangmu 0 – 0 Jeonbuk Motors
Ulsan Hyundai 3 – 0 Incheon United
K League Classic 2014 Round 3 Photos and Highlights
Pohang Steelers 2 – 1 Suwon Bluewings
Jeju United 1 – 0 Seongnam FC
Gyeongnam 2 – 3 Jeonnam Dragons
Sangju Sangmu vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai
FC Seoul 0 – 1 Busan I’Park
Please note that the videos might not work outside of South Korea and may require viewing directly on YouTube.
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Incheon United
K League Classic 2014 Round 3 Predictions Round Up
An improved week, with 4 correct results from the 6 games. But sadly no correct scores.
K League Challenge 2014
The long awaited start of the new K League Challenge 2014 season is finally here. This year the league featuring an expanded set of teams increasing from the previous 8 to now 10 sides. The winner of the league this season will gain automatic promotion and there is also a playoff system in place.
This starting weekend there are 5 games, 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Just like in the K League Classic all of the games at the moment are being played in the afternoon. Here are our quick thoughts on Round 1;
Gangwon vs. Ansan Police FC
Recently relegated Gangwon face a tough task when they play title favorites Ansan Police FC.
Prediction: 1 – 2
Daegu vs. Gwangju
Daegu have lost a few key players since relegation but still might be too much for Gwangju.
Prediction 1 – 0
Suwon City FC vs. Daejeon Citizen
Suwon surprised a few people last season and will be looking for a top half finish. Daejeon will look pretty different this season and are an unknown quantity at the moment.
Prediction: 2 – 2
Bucheon 1995 vs. Chungju Hummel
Here we have last seasons bottom 2 who will both be looking for an improved season.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Goyang Hi vs. FC Anyang
A lot more is expected of FC Anyang in their 2nd ever season as last year they showed signs of quality. Goyang Hi lost some key players pre-season and might struggle this year.
Prediction: 0 – 2
K League Challenge Round 1 Results
Gangwon 0 – 3 Ansan Police FC
Daegu 2 – 1 Gwangju
Suwon City 4 – 1 Daejeon Citizen
Bucheon 1995 2 – 3 Chungju Hummel
Goyang Hi 1 – 1 FC Anyang
K League Challenge Round 1 Prediction Roundup
2 Correct Results but no perfect scores. Not bad for a pretty unknown first round of the season.
Useful Links for this 2014 K League Challenge Season
* K League Challenge 2014 Preview and Prediction
* K League Challenge 2013 Summary
Closing
For information on the last weekends round of K League Classic action, K League Classic Round 2 please CLICK HERE.
As always if you have anything you’d like to add please let us know.
We will try and keep things updated as best as possible via Twitter (and little via Facebook).
Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 