K League Classic 2016 Round 29 + Challenge Round 34 – Previews / Predictions (September 10th-11th)

The K League Classic returns this weekend after the international break with 6 interesting games. There are only 5 rounds remaining until the league split so this is a key time to find some form. The highlight game of this round is the Saturday evening Gyeongin Derby between bottom of the league Incheon United and 2nd placed FC Seoul. This is always a passionate and fiery encounter and with implications at both the top and bottom.
The other key game of the weekend is at the opposite end of the table between bottom side Suwon FC and 11th placed Incheon United, a real relegation 6-pointer.

K League Classic 2016 League Table Update

As we move quickly towards the end of season league split the table is still close in the middle. Jeonbuk now have a 12 point lead and a game in hand at the top over FC Seoul. With Ulsan Hyundai 9 points behind them in 3rd. With Sangju Sangmu and Seongnam very close behind them. There are only 5 points separating 4th and 9th, so the mid table battle is very tight.
At the other end of the table, Incheon United have returned to the bottom, but are only 2 points behind Suwon FC in 11th. Suwon Bluewings are 5 points ahead of them.

K League Classic 2016 Round 29 Previews & Predictions

This round of games take place on Saturday (4) and Sunday (2). The games take place in the late afternoon or early evening between 3pm-7pm (some different than originally listed). Here are our brief previews and predictions for the 29th round of 2016 K League Classic games;

Saturday September 10th 2016:

Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Jeonnam Dragons (3pm)

The early game this weekend is between sides at opposite ends of the table, as league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai take on Jeonnam Dragons. Jeonbuk Hyundai are still undefeated this season and recorded an impressive 3-1 win over FC Seoul last time out. Jeonnam picked up 2 vital wins last month against Incheon & Pohang, and are moving away from the relegation battle. We see Jeonbuk winning this one, but will have an eye on Tuesdays Asian Champions League Quarter Final Match.
*Fun Fact: Jeonnam last beat Jeonbuk away in March 2011.*
Prediction: 2 – 0

Incheon United vs. FC Seoul (6pm)

The highlight game of the week is the Gyeongin Derby between Incheon United and FC Seoul. Incheon United have lost their last 4 games on the bounce and have slipped back to the bottom of the table. FC Seoul suffered a major setback in their weak title challenge losing against Jeonbuk and then drawing with Ulsan last weekend. They also travel to China during the week in the Champions League, so some players maybe rested. Therefore we see this ending all-square.
*Fun Fact: Incheon haven’t beaten Seoul in 8 attempts now (7 defeats / 1 draw).*
Prediction: 1 – 1

Seongnam FC vs. Suwon Bluewings (6pm)

6th placed Seongnam FC take on 10th placed Suwon Bluewings in Saturdays 3rd game. Seongnam FC have lost 2 straight and have only 1 win from their last 8 games. Suwon Bluewings have drawn their last 3 games all 1-1, and haven’t won in 5 games. Seongnam have beaten Suwon twice in the game this season, but we see this ending in a draw.
*Fun Fact: Suwon last beat Seongnam in the league early 2015.*
Prediction: 0 – 0

Pohang Steelers vs. Suwon FC (7pm)

Saturday’s late game is a bottom of the table clash between Pohang Steelers and Suwon FC. Both sides are still in the relegation battle. Pohang Steelers have only 1 win in 6 games. Suwon FC on the other hand have picked up 7 points from their last 3 games and have moved off the bottom of the table. Suwon have 2 wins over Pohang so far this season and we see them making it 3 from 3.
*Fun Fact: Pohang Steelers have never scored against Suwon FC.*
Prediction: 3 – 1

Sunday September 11th 2016:

Jeju United vs. Ulsan Hyundai (6pm)

The first of Sundays games is between 2 sides in race for the Asian Champions League spots 4th placed Jeju United and 3rd placed Ulsan Hyundai. Jeju United have won their last 2 games and are traditionally strong at home on the Korean Orange Island. Ulsan Hyundai have only 1 win in 9 games, but picked up a last minute point last weekend against FC Seoul. It’s 1 win apiece this season between these sides, but we see Jeju taking this one.
*Fun Fact: Jeju have only lost once at home against Ulsan in 5 years.*
Prediction: 2 – 1

Gwangju vs. Sangju Sangmu (6pm)

The final game of the weekend is between 2 former Challenge sides Gwangju and Sangju Sangmu, who are separated by only 3 points. Gwangju are undefeated in 5 games and include the leagues top scorer Jung Jo-Gook in their squad. Sangju Sangmu have had a number of players return to their parent clubs recently weakening their squad. They only have 1 win in 5 games. Gwangju will be favorites to take the win here.
*Fun Fact: These sides have only drawn once in 14 encounters.*
Prediction: 3 – 2

K League Classic 2016 Round 29 Results & Photos

Saturday September 10th:
Jeonbuk Hyundai 2-2 Jeonnam Dragons
Incheon United 1-0 FC Seoul
Seongnam FC 1-2 Suwon Bluewings
Pohang Steelers 2-3 Suwon FC

Sunday September 11th:
Jeju United 1 – 1 Ulsan Hyundai
Gwangju 1 – 0 Sangju Sangmu

K League Challenge 2016 Round 34

The K League Challenge reaches the 34th round landmark of the 2016 season this weekend, with sides only having 10 games still to play this season. This round is spread over 3 days and the standout game is one with big title factors as league leaders Ansan Mugunghwa taking on 2nd placed Bucheon 1995. If Ansan win they’ll move further clear, but if Bucheon pick up the three points they’ll move within 1 win away from the top of the table spot.

K League Challenge 2016 League Table Update

The league table is looking close as we enter the final quarter of the season and Ansan Mugunghwa currently lead the way with a 5 point lead over Bucheon 1995 in 2nd. Gangwon and Daegu complete the playoff places. At the other end of the table, Goyang and Chungju are both well adrift of the rest now. But fortunately for them there is no relegation this season.

K League Challenge 2016 Round 34 Predictions

This round of games take place on Saturday (1), Sunday (2) and Monday (2). The games all take place in either the early-mid afternoon or early evening, anywhere between 2pm-7pm. Here are our predictions for the 34th round of 2016 K League Challenge games;