The K League Classic action continues following the International Break on Sunday afternoon, whilst the K League Challenge contains following mid-week FA Cup Matches. It’s been a slightly slow but interesting start to the 2017 season, with Jeju United being the standout side so far. Jeju play on Sunday against Gwangju.
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 Saturdays Action (April 1st) – Please Click Here +
K League Classic 2017 League Table Update
Of course following just 3 games the league table doesn’t reflect a probable final table, but it does make of nice viewing for a few sides. Jeju lead the way with the only perfect record. Jeonbuk and Seoul follow them on 7 points. Sangju are next on 6, whilst Pohang and Gangwon have 4. Gwangju and Ulsan currently have 3 points. Daegu, Incheon and Suwon Bluewings all have just two points. Finally Jeonnam are bottom and currently pointless.
K League Classic 2017 Previews & Predictions (Sunday April 2nd – Round 4)
Moving onto the football, here are our brief previews and predictions for this Sundays 3 games;
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. FC Seoul @ 3pm
Our highlight game of the day comes from the Jeonju Civil Stadium (The temporary home of Jeonbuk Hyundai). It’s a rematch between last seasons big two Jeonbuk and Seoul. Jeonbuk won the champions league knocking Seoul out along the way, but finished second to Seoul in the league. Jeonbuk are undefeated so far this season, but dropped points 2 weeks ago drawing v Incheon United. FC Seoul are also on seven points, but were gifted (due to a now suspended ref) a win a couple of weeks ago. Last Time: Seoul won 1-0 in the final game of the 2016 season.
Prediction: 2 – 1
On paper Jeonbuk at home should have the edge and the civil stadium hasn’t been a nice place to visit so far.
+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.
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Gangwon @ 3pm
The second 3 o’clock kick off comes from the Munsu Cup Stadium, where Ulsan host Gangwon. Ulsan won their opening game of the K League season but have looked poor since then, losing twice. With the probable issue being them balancing the ACL and K League. Gangwon have only done a little better, beating Sangju but drawing with Pohang and also losing against Seoul. Last Time: Ulsan won 2-1 back in 2013.
Prediction: 1 – 0
At home Ulsan should have the edge, however Gangwon have a solid squad and could put up a good fight.
Jeju United vs. Gwangju @ 3pm
The finally 3 o’clock kick off on Saturday comes from the Jeju World Cup Stadium. Jeju United are the in-form K League side so far this season, and have even produced solid results on the road during the ACL. They have won all 3 of their league games without conceding a goal and are currently the leagues most dangerous attacking side. Gwangju won the opening weekend but have lost twice since then, but they were unlucky vs. FC Seoul. Last Time: Gwangju won 2-1 last August.
Prediction: 2 – 0
Jeju here unsurprising favorites to win, and it would be a shock if they didn’t.
K League Classic 2017 Results (Sunday April 2nd – Round 4)
K League Classic 2017 Results – Sunday:
Jeonbuk Hyundai 1-0 FC Seoul
Jeju United 1-1 Gwangju
Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 Gangwon
Jeonbuk claim a narrow but important win over FC Seoul, Kim Jin-Su with the winning goal. Ulsan beat Gangwon thanks to a late winner. Finally Jeju United were held at home by Gwangju, but stay top of the league.
Classic Sunday Attendances:
Jeonju Civil Stadium = 19,141
Ulsan Munsu Cup Stadium = 10,886
Jeju World Cup Stadium = 3,089
More Updates via Twitter
K League Challenge 2017 (Saturday April 2nd – Round 5) Previews & Predictions
Saturday afternoon and evening also features three games in the K League Challenge. The local derby between Seoul E-Land and Seongnam FC is a standout clash.
+ For details on Saturdays Action (April 1st) – Please Click Here +
K League Challenge 2017 League Table Update
The league table after just a three games has Gyeongnam topping the table, followed by Asan Mugunghwa, Suwon FC and Busan I’Park who currently fill the playoff places. Bucheon 1995 and Ansan Greeners follow close behind. Daejeon Citizen, Seoul E-Land and FC Anyang are already a little off the pace. Finally we have Seongnam FC who only have 1 point and 1 goal from 3 games so far this 2017 season.
K League Challenge 2017 Previews & Predictions (Sunday April 2nd – Round 5)
Here are brief previews and predictions for this Saturday’s K League Challenge games;
Asan Mugunghwa vs. Busan I’Park @ 3pm
The first game in the Challenge this Sunday Afternoon features two of the league in-form sides Asan and Busan. Asan Mugunghwa have settled into their new city nicely and have won 3 games on the bounce in the league, plus they also won during the week in the cup. Busan I’Park starting strongly winning their opening 2 games, but recently they’ve lost that form. They won in the cup during the week but against K3 League side Gimpo Citizen.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Asan should start as slight favorites. Tiredness maybe the factor for both on Sunday.
+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.
Suwon FC vs. Gyeongnam @ 3pm
The second and final game of the weekend comes from the Suwon Civil Stadium home of Suwon FC. Suwon lost in the league last weekend to an impressive Asan and then dropped out of the cup against Seongnam. Before those defeats they’d won twice. Top of the table Gyeongnam have 10 points from their opening 4 games, and maybe the most organized defense in the league so far this season.
Prediction: 1 – 2
At the moment Suwon aren’t quite working, whilst Gyeongnam look like the team to beat. Therefore we’re going with the risk but league leaders Gyeongnam.
K League Challenge 2017 Results (Sunday April 2nd – Round 5)
K League Challenge 2017 Results – Sunday:
Asan Mugunghwa 0-2 Busan I’Park
Suwon FC 1-1 Gyeongnam
Busan claimed an impressive victory over Asan on the road to move them up into 2nd place. Suwon and Gyeongnam either take home a point in the other game, they’re both also in the early title picture.
Challenge Sunday Attendances:
Yishunsin Stadium (Asan) = 2,478
Suwon Civil Stadium = 2,348
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 