The K League returns on Wednesday evening following the disappointing All-Star game played over in Vietnam. All 12 Classic sides are in action with the standout game being between Struggling Incheon United and league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai. Also we have 2nd vs 3rd in the form of Ulsan hosting Suwon. Here are our thoughts and predictions for all 6 games;
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K League Classic 2017 League Table Update
Jeonbuk Hyundai currently top the table 5 points ahead of Suwon Bluewings and Ulsan Hyundai. Jeju, Gangwon & Seoul complete the top half. Pohang have slipped into the bottom 6, then come Jeonnam and Sangju who are both far from safe. Daegu, Incheon and finally Gwangju complete the table.
K League Classic 2017 Previews & Predictions (Wednesday August 2nd – Round 24)
Moving onto the days action, here are our brief previews and predictions for this Wednesdays 6 games;
Jeonnam Dragons v Sangju Sangmu @ 7pm
The first game of the day is between two sides still in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle. Jeonnam Dragons have lost their last 2 games, but are generally stronger at home. Sangju Sangmu on the other hand are better on the road, but have lost 4 of their last 5 games. Both sides need a rare win.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Both sides are inconsistent and lacking form, so a draw seems the likely outcome.
FC Seoul v Gangwon @ 7.30pm
The first of the 7.30 kick offs comes from the Seoul World Cup Stadium and is between FC Seoul and Gangwon. FC Seoul have won 3 of their last 4 games with the only defeat coming against leader Jeonbuk 10days ago. Gangwon have had a great season back in the Classic, however recently they’ve lost 2 and drawn of their last 4.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent form would show that Seoul should have the edge in this one.
Pohang Steelers v Gwangju @ 7.30pm
The next game of the day comes from the South East Coast with Pohang Steelers hosting struggling Gwangju. Pohang have had a poor season and have lost more games than any other side (12), including their last 4 on the bounce. Gwangju edged Jeonnam in their last game to move level on points with Incheon United. However they’ve lacked goal this season.
Prediction: 1 – 0
We see Pohang picking up a valuable 3 points at home.
Ulsan Hyundai v Suwon Bluewings @ 7.30pm
Game number 4 of the evening comes from Ulsan, and is a big game in the championship race with 3rd placed Ulsan Hyundai taking on 2nd placed Suwon Bluewings. Ulsan have had a surprisingly good season so far, and have picked up 10points from their last 4 games. Suwon Bluewings however are the leagues in-form side mainly thanks to the scoring boots of Brazilian Johnathan. They’ve won 5 games straight.
Prediction: 1 – 2
Both sides are well at the moment, but we can’t bet against Suwon on their current run.
Incheon United v Jeonbuk Hyundai @ 7.30pm
The 5th game of the day is a bottom vs. top clash coming from the Incheon Football Stadium, as Incheon United host Asian Champions League holders Jeonbuk Hyundai. Incheon have a habit of drawing game this season, and have drawn 3 of their last 5. Jeonbuk Hyundai have won their last 3 games on the bounce, including beating FC Seoul a little over a week ago.
Prediction: 0 – 2
It would be a shock if Incheon pulled off a win, therefore we see Jeonbuk winning.
Jeju United v Daegu @ 8pm
The the final game of the evening comes from the Korean Holiday Island of Jeju, as high flying Jeju United host struggling Daegu. Jeju United have won 3 from 4, and have won 7 from 12 at home this season. Daegu maybe 10th in the league but have won their last 2 games and can score goals. However they only have 1 away win this season.
Prediction: 3 – 1
We’re siding with Jeju to pick up the victory here.
Odds Subject to change, More Updates via Twitter
K League Challenge 2017
The K League Challenge returns at the weekend.
Finally
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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 