Wednesday is yet another big day for the Korean sides in the AFC Champions League group stages. It has been a mixed start for the K League sides so far, but they’re all still in contention.
Tuesday evenings games feature a trip to Thailand side Muangthong United for Ulsan Hyundai. Whilst Suwon Bluewings host Hong Kong Champions Eastern SC.
+ For Details of Tuesdays Games CLICK HERE +
AFC Champions League 2017 Group Tables Update
After 3 games this is how Group E currently stands. It’s still very even with the top 3 separated by a single point. K League side Ulsan Hyundai are currently 3rd, whilst Thai side Muangthong United 2nd to Japanese side Kashima Antlers.
Here is how Group G looks after 3 games. Suwon Bluewings are current in 2nd place on 5 points, level with Guangzhou Evergrande. Hong Kong side Eastern SC are currently bottom with a single point.
AFC Champions League Previews and Predictions (Wednesday April 12th 2017)
Here are our brief previews for Wednesday evenings AFC Champions League games featuring K League sides as well as head-to-head (H2H) records and predictions;
Suwon Bluewings vs. Eastern SC @ 7pm (Korea Time)
The first game of the evening comes from the Suwon World Cup Stadium and is in Group G. The game is between Korean FA winners Suwon Bluewings and Hong Kong Premier League Champions Eastern SC. Suwon have drawn their opening 2 games in the champions league, but beat Eastern SC last time out. Eastern SC had a rough introduction into the Champions League being hammered 8-0 but Chinese rivals Guangzhou Evergrande. However they recovered in the second week to draw against J-League side Kawasaki. They are currently top of the Hong Kong Premier League after 18 games. Manuel Bleda Rodríguez with 15 goals from 15 league games, is their dangerman.
Head-to-Head / H2H:
They’ve only played once before the week 3 fixture which Suwon won 1-0
Prediction:
2 – 0
Suwon edged the first game but will be looking to kill this game off early in order to save some legs for the rest of a busy April. Suwon have the advantage playing at home as well.
Muangthong United vs. Ulsan Hyundai @ 9.30pm
The late game of the evening comes from the SCG Stadium (Nonthaburi) and takes place in Group E. It’s between K League side Ulsan Hyundai and Thai League side Muangthong United. Ulsan finished 4th in the K League and reached the group stages via the playoffs, Muangthong won the 2016 Thai League. Ulsan lost week 1 vs. Kashima Antlers 2-0, but found some form to hammer Brisbane Roar week 2. Muangthong United drew with Brisbane then beat Kashima. Then these side meet in a dull goalless draw a few weeks ago.
Head-to-Head / H2H:
They have played once before, it ended 0-0
Prediction:
1 – 1
Fingers crossed it will be better than the first game between this sides, but we still see it ending in a draw.
AFC Champions League Results & Highlights
Muangthong United 1 – 0 Ulsan Hyundai
Ulsan were beating on the road and another dull encounter with Thai side Muangthong. They still have chances of progression, but will need to win down in Australia in a few weeks time.
Suwon Bluewings 5 – 0 Eastern SC
Suwon found their scoring boots in the second half knocking in 4 of their 5 goals in a short period of time. The win puts them in prime position to progress.
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 