Due to the Asian Champions League Semi Finals coming towards the end of the month, two games around that time involving FC Seoul and Jeonbuk Hyundai have been moved forward. Also the whole of the K League is off this coming weekend due to the start of the Olympic Games in Rio. This game features a derby of sorts has the two Hyundai funded sides Jeonbuk Hyundai and Ulsan Hyundai clash. Jeonbuk Hyundai are top of the league and are looking to make it three championships in 3 seasons. Ulsan Hyundai are in 5th place currently, but still have chances of a Champions League spot. Here is our preview for Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Ulsan Hyundai;
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Ulsan Hyundai (Wednesday August 3rd 2016)
Jeonbuk Hyundai:
They are currently top of the league, a position they’ve held since the 12th round of the season. They looked impressive as they easily beat Gwangju at the weekend 3-0, a result which maintained their 14 point lead a the top. That win means they have now won their last 5 league games straight, and are still undefeated this season (in the league). They have also won 10 of their 11 home games this season drawing the other. Their star player at the moment is Brazilian Ricardo Lopes, the former Jeju United man have scored 5 goals in 4 games and seem to be enjoying his football at the moment.
Ulsan Hyundai:
The Asian Champions League Winners from back in 2012, currently sit in 5th place. They were poor at the weekend losing against Jeonnam Dragons 2-0 at home. Their recent form has been awful, losing their last 3 games on the bounce. They looked better earlier in the season, but are missing a goal scoring presence since the departure of Kim Shin-Wook to Jeonbuk. Their Key player could be newly signed Guinea-Bissau International Frédéric Mendy, the issue maybe fitness as 7 games in a month is difficult for most players.
Head-to-Head: They’ve played each other twice this season, with the first game ending 0-0 back in late March. The other 10days ago Jeonbuk won 2-1.
Last season Jeonbuk won twice (both 2-1) and Ulsan won once 2-0.
It’s been over 6 years since Ulsan beat Jeonbuk at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
Since 2003 they’ve played 52 times. With the record standing in Jeonbuk’s favor, Jeonbuk (22) draws (15) and Ulsan (15).
Prediction:
Jeonbuk Hyundai 3 – 1 Ulsan Hyundai
Jeonbuk Hyundai are on title winning form at the moment, whilst Ulsan look more likely to finish in the bottom rather than the top half come the end of the season. The squad strength also favors Jeonbuk, so after a very busy July fitness could be a factor. This could be a difficult game for Jeonbuk simply because they’re expected to win and the pressure won’t be on Ulsan as they’re not expected to pick up any points.
Also here is an updated league table from after this past weekends fixtures;
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Ulsan Hyundai Result & photos
Jeonbuk Hyundai 1 – 1 Ulsan Hyundai
A dull match until the final 5mins when Lee Dong-Gook finally broke the deadlock. His powerful strike was too much for the Ulsan keeper as the ball went through his hands and into the net. However in the final minute, Guinea-Bissau International Frédéric Mendy found some space in the box and scored on the turn. A draw in the end was maybe a fair result.
Finally
For information on the all of our previous K League Round by Round Previews and More: CLICK HERE
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Tim
Modern Seoul
tim@modernseoul.org
Modern Seoul 