K League Classic 2016 Round 20 + Challenge Round 23 – Previews / Predictions (July 16th-17th)

The drama of the FA Cup may still be on our minds but the Summer K League Classic action continues this weekend with 6 interesting ties. The weather forecast is looking hot and sunny for the most part. The highlight game of this round of course is the Gyeongin derby between Incheon United and FC Seoul, a detailed post about that fixture can be found HERE; Incheon United vs. FC Seoul – Gyeongin Derby July 17th

K League Classic 2016 League Table Update

As we move into the mid point of the season the league table has taken shape. Jeonbuk now have an eight point lead at the top over FC Seoul. With Ulsan Hyundai close behind in 3rd. There are only 2 points separating 4th and 7th, so the mid-table is certainly tight.
At the other end of the table, Suwon FC are still bottom, and 5 points point behind Jeonnam Dragons. With Incheon United and Suwon Bluewings a little above them.

K League Classic 2016 Round 20 Previews & Predictions

This round of games take place evenly over Saturday (3) and Sunday (3). All of the games take place in the early evening either 6 or 7pm. Here are our brief previews and predictions for the 20th round of 2016 K League Classic games;

Saturday July 16th 2016:

Ulsan Hyundai vs. Gwangju (7pm)

Ulsan are flying high at the moment and looking more like the side that won the Asian Champions League back in 2012. They eased past Incheon 4-1 in the cup during the week and are currently 3rd in the league with 3 wins in 5. Gwangju on the other hand are falling a little behind the mid-table pack and only have 1 win in 8 games. Ulsan will be the favorites going into this one, tired legs maybe a factor later on.
*Fun Fact: Ulsan have beaten Gwangju 4 games straight and without conceding a goal, this maybe number 5*
Prediction: 2 – 1

Jeju United vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai (7pm)

Jeju United seem to be having a mid-season crisis as they’ve dropped down to 6th place in the table, losing 3 of their last 4 games (all away from home). Jeonbuk Hyundai maybe unbeaten in the league and leaders. But they suffered a shock loss to Challenge side Bucheon 1995 in the cup during the week. They’ve drawn 8 of their 10 away games so far this season. Therefore we’re siding with the odds and a draw.
*Fun Fact: Jeju United have only beaten Jeonbuk 6 times in 33 attempts. All at home*
Prediction: 1 – 1

Suwon FC vs. Jeonnam Dragons (7pm)

Suwon FC are looking for their first win since the end of May or 8 games. They’re starting to fall away a little at the bottom of the table. Jeonnam Dragons are in fact the close side to them. Despite an unlucky defeat on penalties in the cup vs. FC Seoul during the week, they look improved at the moment with 2 wins in 4 games. The previous encounter between these sides ended 0-0 back in March, but we see Jeonnam edging this one.
*Fun Fact: Suwon beat Jeonnam back in 2013 in the cup when they were a new K League Challenge Side*
Prediction: 1 – 1

Sunday July 17th 2016:

Incheon United vs. FC Seoul (6pm)

FULL PREVIEW & PREDICTION HERE

Suwon Bluewings vs. Seongnam FC (7pm)

This a part 2 of the exciting series which started on Wednesday Evening in the FA Cup. Suwon won in the end 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. However that included 3 red cards in the 1st half. In the league Seongnam are 5 places ahead of Suwon but form wise they’re evenly matched. This might not be as heated as on Wednesday but it should be very close. We see Seongnam gaining revenge.
*Fun Fact: They have played each other 42 times with both sides winning 15 each*
Prediction: 1 – 2

Pohang Steelers vs. Sangju Sangmu (7pm)

The final game of the weekend sees two mid-table sides square off. Pohang Steelers are currently 7th but only 2 points behind Sangju. Pohang have won 3 of their last 4 games, whilst Sangju have won 5 of their last 6. It seems neither side likes to draw and we see Pohang winning, because Sangju have lost 7 of 10 away this season.
*Fun Fact: Sangju have only beaten Pohang 3 times in 21 games*
Prediction: 0 – 2

K League Classic 2016 Round 20 Results & Photos

K League Classic 2016 Round 20 Results:

Saturday July 16th:
Jeju United 1 – 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai
Ulsan Hyundai 3 – 2 Gwangju
Suwon FC 1 – 2 Jeonnam Dragons

Sunday July 17th:
FC Seoul 2 – 1 Incheon United
Suwon Bluewings 1 – 2 Seongnam FC
Pohang Steelers 0 – 2 Sangju Sangmu

K League Challenge 2016 Round 23

The K League Challenge season moves into the second half of the 2016 season with round 23 this weekend (of 44). One of the standout games of the round is on Monday Evening between Seoul E-Land (5th) and league leaders Ansan Mugunghwa. Seoul E-Land are looking much improved under their new manager and should cause Ansan a number of problems both going forward and at the back. Seoul are also unbeaten at home in the league.

K League Challenge 2016 League Table Update

This is one of those rare points of the season (when you have an odd number of sides) where everybody has played an equal number of games. This is also the half way point of the season. Ansan Mugunghwa lead the way, 5 points ahead of Gangwon, Daegu and Bucheon 1995 who make up the playoff places. At the other end of the table Goyang Zaicro are now 4 points adrift of Chungju Hummel.

K League Challenge 2016 Round 23 Predictions

This round of games take place on Saturday (3), Sunday (1) and Monday (2). The games all take place in the early evening 7 or 8pm. Here are our predictions for the 23rd round of 2016 K League Challenge games;