The K League Classic moves into the 26th round of the season, and with not much time left in the main season (i.e. before the split) every game is important. Also September is another busy month with at least 5 games each as well as the distraction of the Asian Games (being held in Incheon).
K League Classic League Table
As there has now been 25 games played (so only 8 games to go in the main season) and everybody has played each other at least twice and the table to starting to take shape. So for reference here is the latest K League Classic 2014 League Table; including Games Played, Points and Goal Difference:
The league table does make for interesting reading and there are a number of tight areas. After the midweek round 25 only 2 teams changed positions, however a few gaps were either bridged or extended. Jeonbuk and Pohang are still moving away at the top of the table, with Suwon, Jeju, Jeonnam and FC Seoul completing the top half. Ulsan Hyundai have dropped into the bottom half but are just 2 points behind with Incheon 11 points behind them leading the relegation group. Seongnam, Sangju, Busan and finally Gyeongnam complete the table.
K League Classic 2014 Round 26 Previews & Predictions
This weekends games are evenly split between Saturday and Sunday, and take place mainly in the late afternoon or evening. Here are brief previews of the K League Classic Round 24 Games;
Saturday September 13th 2014:
Pohang Steelers vs. Seongnam FC (7pm)
This weekends first game is between 2nd placed Pohang Steelers and struggling 9th placed Seongnam FC.
Pohang Steelers have only won 2 of their last 3 games.
Seongnam have just 1 win in 7, but they are still the leagues lowest goalscorers with only 18 goals.
Pohang will be heavy favorites with home advantage.
Prediction: 3 – 1
FC Seoul vs. Incheon United (7pm)
Saturdays 2nd game is a local derby between 6th placed FC Seoul and 8th placed Incheon United.
These sides meet just under a month ago with Seoul winning 5 – 1.
FC Seoul have only lost once in their last 14 games, and have the joint best defensive record in the league.
Incheon United have just 1 win in 5 and have one of the weaker strikeforces in the league.
FC Seoul will come into this one as favorites, but in derbies anything can happen.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Busan I’Park vs. Ulsan Hyundai (7.30pm)
Saturdays final game is between 11th placed Busan and 7th placed Ulsan Hyundai, in a South East Derby.
Busan I’Park have only 1 win from their previous 16 league games.
Ulsan have win 2 but lost 3 of their previous 5 games.
Neither side is on great form, however Ulsan should edge it.
Prediction: 0 – 1
Sunday September 14th 2014:
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Gyeongnam (2.15pm)
Sundays 1st game is a top vs. bottom mismatch, as leaders Jeonbuk take on bottom side Gyeongnam.
Jeonbuk only have 1 win from their previous 4 games.
Gyeongnam haven’t won in 4, but have drawn twice.
Jeonbuk will be favorites, and will be hoping this will push them closer toward the title.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Jeju United vs. Suwon Bluewings (5pm)
Sundays 2nd game is a top half clash between 4th placed Jeju United and 3rd placed Suwon Bluewings.
Jeju United are unbeaten in 5, however the last game they lost was vs. Suwon.
Suwon Bluewings are unbeaten in 4 with 2 wins and 2 draws.
Jeju are strong at home and Suwon are weak away and so we’re siding with Jeju.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Sangju Sangmu vs. Jeonnam Dragons (7pm)
Sundays final game is between Sangju Sangmu (10th) and Jeonnam Dragons (5th).
Sangju Sangmu have only 1 win from their last 11 games.
Jeonnam have lost their last 2 games, but won the 3 before.
Neither side is on strong form and we feel this will end in a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
K League Classic 2014 Round 26 Results
Saturday September 13th
FC Seoul 3 – 1 Incheon United
Pohang Steelers 1 – 0 Seongnam FC
Busan I’Park 1 – 3 Ulsan Hyundai
Sunday September 14th
Jeonbuk Hyundai 1 – 0 Gyeongnam
Jeju United 0 – 0 Suwon Bluewings
Sangju Sangmu 1 – 0 Jeonnam Dragons
Pictures and Instagram Posts from K League Classic Round 26
K League Classic 2014 Round 26 Predictions Round Up
4 Correct results but no perfect scores.
K League Challenge 2014
Details on this weekends K League Challenge Round 26 can be found here.
Finally
For information on the previous round of K League Classic action, K League Classic 2014 Round 25 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 