The K League Classic draws to a close on Wednesday evening with the penultimate round of the 2016 season. There are only 2 rounds to go until the end of the season. The days are getting shorter and the weather forecast for Wednesday evening looks really pretty cold and therefore number at some games maybe down.
The key games in the Championship Round are those featuring the top 2, if both win the title will come down to the final game of the season, when they face each other.
In the relegation round the highlight match is between Suwon Bluewings and Incheon United, both sides are on great form but still in the relegation battle. Suwon FC will be relegated if they don’t win and Incheon don’t lose.
K League Classic 2016 League Table Update
Due to Jeonbuk’s point reduction they are now level on points with FC Seoul, only goals scored separates them (the K League favors this over goal difference). Jeju United are 9 points between them and currently occupy the final champions league spot. Ulsan, Jeonnam and Sangju, only Ulsan have slim chances of making the top 3 positions.
Looking at the bottom of the table, Suwon FC are 6 points behind Incheon United, who are level on points with Pohang Steelers. A single point ahead of them we have Seongnam, then Suwon Bluewings and finally Gwangju no one is safe from danger yet.
K League Classic 2016 Round 37 Previews & Predictions
This round of games take place on Wednesday (6). All of the games kick off in the evening at either 7 or 7.30pm. Here are our brief previews and predictions for the 37th round of 2016 K League Classic games;
Wednesday November 2nd 2016:
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. Sangju Sangmu (7pm) – Championship Round
League leaders and defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai come into this game needing to match FC Seoul’s result to give them control in the final match of the season on Sunday. They’ve only lost once all season. Sangju Sangmu haven’t won since mid August, therefore Jeonbuk will be heavy favorites. Still this looks like a possible banana skin for Jeonbuk.
Prediction: 2 – 0
FC Seoul vs. Jeonnam Dragons (7.30pm) – Championship Round
FC Seoul found some impressive form during October winning 5 and a drawing 1. They also made the FA Cup final. Jeonnam Dragons lost 3 and only beat Sangju during October. They’ll be looking to help Jeolla neighbors Jeonbuk by getting a result against FC Seoul. Seoul will of course come into this one as favorites.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Jeju United (7.30pm) – Championship Round
The final game in the championship round is a battle for 3rd place. Ulsan Hyundai won at the weekend, their first win in 5 games. Jeju United’s recent run of 4 wins ended at the weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by FC Seoul. This is a close game on paper, and we see it gaming in a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Gwangju vs. Pohang Steelers (7pm) – Relegation Round
A few weeks ago these sides looked almost safe, but with 2 games to go they’re still in danger of ending up in the relegation playoff spot. Gwangju have only 2 wins in 10 games, but Pohang also only have 2 wins in 10. A draw might but the likely outcome, but we see Pohang ringing the changes and pulling off a surprise victory.
Prediction: 1 – 2
Suwon Bluewings vs. Incheon United (7.30pm) – Relegation Round
A big game between two inform sides, a win for either would shakeup the relegation battle. Suwon Bluewings have won 3 games straight to pull themselves upto 8th place. However they face the leagues inform side Incheon who’ve won 5 and draw 3 of their last 8. Although we’re biased and want Incheon to win, we honestly see it ending in a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Seongnam FC vs. Suwon FC (7.30pm) – Relegation Round
The final game of this round could send Suwon FC back down to Challenge. Seongnam have only 1 win in 11 games and also have only scored twice in 6 games. Suwon FC lost the Suwon Derby at the weekend and need a good win to stand any chance of surviving the drop. On form it looks like Suwon FC will be slight favorites, however we still see them going down.
Prediction: 1 – 2
K League Classic 2016 Round 37 Results & Photos
Wednesday November 2nd:
Championship Round:
Jeonbuk Hyundai 4-1 Sangju Sangmu
FC Seoul 2-1 Jeonnam Dragons
Ulsan Hyundai 0-0 Jeju United
The title comes down to the final day of the season as both Jeonbuk Hyundai and FC Seoul won their games. Jeju United also basically confirmed their 3rd place position and place in next seasons Asian Champions League.
Relegation Round:
Gwangju 1-1 Pohang Steelers
Suwon Bluewings 3-2 Incheon United
Seongnam FC 1-2 Suwon FC
The relegation battle will also come down to the final round of the season this coming weekend. Suwon FC won and Incheon United lost so it’s all to play for on Saturday afternoon. Also Suwon Bluewings and Gwangju are now safe.
K League Challenge 2016 Playoff Semi-Final (November 2nd)
Gangwon vs. Busan I’Park (7pm) – K League Challenge Semi Final
Following a long and tight season it’s now time for the end of season playoffs. The semi final is between Gangwon and Busan I’Park, with Gangwon only requiring a draw to progress. Gangwon have been in the title race since early in the season and haven’t dropped out of the playoff place since the 4th round. However recently their form has been inconsistent costing them automatic promotion. Busan I’Park are lucky to be in the playoffs and benefit from Ansan Mugunghwa’s non-promotion status. During the summer months they were down in 8th and 9th so their comeback has been a bit of a surprise. Strong recent form with 8 wins in 10 games.
Gangwon should be favorites to progress, but Busan are on impressive form and therefore we’re siding with the upset victory for Busan.
Prediction: 2 – 3
K League Challenge Playoff Semi-Final Result
Gangwon 1 – 0 Busan I’Park
A cold and wet evening didn’t produce the best game ever. Gangwon won the tie in the dying moments and progress to the playoff final against Bucheon 1995 this coming weekend.
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 