The league and footballing life in general is now fully underway here in South Korea has the K League enters it’s 3rd round of the 2017 season. The K League Classic on Saturday features only 2 games, Gangwon vs. Pohang Steelers and Incheon United vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai. All of the information you need is here;
A quick reminder that this season we’re going to the covering each match day separately (the last few seasons it’s been each round). Making the posts a little shorter and focused on a day. Video Highlights, Goal Updates and more via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
+ For details on Sundays Action (March 19th) – Please Click Here +
K League Classic 2017 League Table Update
Of course following just 2 games the league table doesn’t reflect a probable final table, but it does make of nice viewing for a few sides. Jeju and Jeonbuk lead the way with the only perfect records. Seoul follow them on 4 points. Sangju, Pohang, Gangwon, Gwangju and Ulsan all currently have 3 points. Daegu, Incheon and Suwon Bluewings all have just a single points. Finally Jeonnam are bottom and currently pointless.
K League Classic 2017 Previews & Predictions (Saturday March 18th – Round 3)
Moving onto the football, here are our brief previews and predictions for this Saturdays 2 games;
Gangwon vs. Pohang Steelers @ 3pm
The first game of the day comes from the Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium home of Gangwon. Last weekend it was a case of nice stadium, awful pitch fingers crossed things have changed. Gangwon have 1 win and 1 defeat to their 2017 record, exactly the same as Pohang Steelers. In fact Pohang sit just above Gangwon only on goal difference. Last Time: Pohang won 4-0 back in July 2013.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Gangwon were a little unlucky to lose last weekend, so we’re siding with them to comeback from that defeat.
Incheon United vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 3pm
Our highlight game of the day comes from the Incheon Football Stadium (Sungui Arena Park). Incheon United haven’t looked great in their opening two games of the season, but they did comeback from 2 goals down last weekend against Daegu. Jeonbuk Hyundai have had a perfect start to the 2017 season beating Jeonnam and Suwon Bluewings. Last Time: Jeonbuk beat Incheon 3-1 back in August, however over the years the head-to-head record is pretty even.
Prediction: 1 – 3
We might like to but we can’t side with Incheon at the moment, and therefore we see Jeonbuk easing to the 3 points.
+Game of Day+ This is our highlight game of the day and therefore we’ll be covering it in extra detail via our Twitter Page.
K League Classic 2017 Results (Saturday March 18th – Round 3)
K League Classic 2017 Results – Saturday:
Incheon United 0-0 Jeonbuk Hyundai
Gangwon 2-2 Pohang Steelers
Both of Saturdays classic games ended in draws. Incheon held Jeonbuk, but could have won it but for a missed penalty. Gangwon comeback from behind twice to beat Pohang Steelers.
More Updates via Twitter
K League Challenge 2017 (Saturday March 18th – Round 3) Previews & Predictions
Saturday afternoon also features a couple of games in the K League Challenge. Firstly Daejeon Citizen host Seoul E-Land, then later in the afternoon Seongnam FC host Suwon FC in a repeat of last seasons Classic game.
+ For details on Sundays Action (March 12th) – Please Click Here +
K League Challenge 2017 League Table Update
The league table after just a two games has Busan I’Park leading the way, level on points with Suwon FC and Gyeongnam. Three sides sit on 3 points Asan Mugunghwa, Bucheon 1995 and Ansan Greeners. Daejeon Citizen and Seongnam FC both have a single point. Whilst Seoul E-Land and FC Anyang are at the bottom and still without a point so far this season.
2017 Structure Update: This season the number of teams has dropped down to an even 10 sides. Just like in previous seasons teams will play each other 4 times with the winner gaining automatic promotion to the K League Classic. The next 3 sides enter the Promotion playoffs, and finally once again there is no relegation down to the National League.
K League Challenge 2017 Previews & Predictions (Saturday March 18th – Round 3)
Here are brief previews and predictions for this Saturday’s K League Challenge games;
Daejeon Citizen vs. Seoul E-Land @ 3pm
The first game in the Challenge this Saturday afternoon comes from the Daejeon World Cup Stadium, and is between Daejeon Citizen and Seoul E-Land. Daejeon have had a poor start losing the 1st week and drawing last weekend to Seongnam. Seoul E-Land have fared worse losing both their opening games. Both sides will be looking to kick-start their seasons.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Daejeon will start the game slight favorites but it is will be close.
Seongnam FC vs. Suwon City @ 5pm
This Saturdays late game features the two sides relegated late season Seongnam and Suwon. Seongnam have had a disappointing start to life in the Challenge losing week one and drawing last weekend. They have however looked solid at the back. Suwon FC have resettled into the Challenge nicely winning their opening two games and are looking like early favorites.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Seongnam at home are generally solid, whilst Suwon have looked strong so far this season. Therefore we’re siding with a draw, as it could go either way.
+Game of Day+ This is our highlight game of the day and therefore we’ll be covering it in extra detail via our Twitter Page.
K League Challenge 2017 Results (Saturday March 18th – Round 3)
K League Challenge 2017 Results – Saturday:
Daejeon Citizen 2-1 Seoul E-Land
Seongnam FC L-L Suwon FC
Poor defending ultimately lead to Daejeon winning the 3 points.
More Updates via Twitter
Finally
For information on the all of our previous K League and AFC Champions League posts: 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 