It’s a Super Saturday in the K League 1 as all 12 sides are in action on a bumper Children’s Day round of action. There are 3 local derbies including the always interesting Super Match between FC Seoul and Suwon Bluewings, plus the Jeolla Derby and South East Derby. Slightly briefer than normal Previews plus Predictions for all 6 games below;
K League 1: Saturday May 5th 2018 Preview / Predictions
There are 6 games in the K League 1 on Saturday afternoon;
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Pohang Steelers (2pm)
The first game of the Saturday is a local derby between Ulsan Hyundai and Pohang Steelers. Ulsan haven’t lost in the league since March and have slowly claimed off the bottom to be level on points with Pohang now. They drew during the week against Suwon. Pohang also drew during the week against lowly Incheon United. They haven’t won in 4 games now and are only ahead for Ulsan on goals scored. I see a draw here, with both sides tired following the heavy schedule.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Jeonnam Dragons vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai (2pm)
The second derby match of the day is the Jeolla Derby between Jeonnam Dragons and Jeonbuk Hyundai. Jeonnam Dragons have picked up 5 points over their past 3 games which has given them a slight gap over the bottom sides. Jeonbuk on the other hand have looked unbeatable recently in the league with 10 wins from their 11 games. Only Incheon have found the answer to the Jeonbuk question. I don’t see Jeonnam repeating Incheon’s success, with Jeonbuk heading home with the derby bagging rights and the 3 points.
Prediction: 1 – 3
Incheon United vs. Jeju United (2pm)
In game three we have a clash between Incheon United and Jeju United. These sides only played each other 3 weeks ago with Jeju coming out on top 4-2. Not much has changed form wise since then with Incheon only picking up a single point since that game. Jeju have done a little better with 6 points from their previous 4 games, which sees them hold onto 4th place in the league table. Incheon will make it a close game, but I see Jeju coming out on top in the end.
Prediction: 1 – 2
My Full Preview via kleagueunited.com
Daegu FC vs. Gyeongnam FC (2pm)
The final 2 o’clock kick off is between bottom side Daegu FC and Gyeongnam FC. Daegu have only 1 win from their opening 11 games is season, but they were at least competitive whilst losing to Jeonbuk during the week. Gyeongnam seem to be regaining a little of their early season form with 5 points from their last 4 games, including a last minute win over Incheon United. I see Gyeongnam striking lucky and taking home a narrow win.
Prediction: 1 – 2
FC Seoul vs. Suwon Bluewings (4pm)
Next we have the usually interesting Super Match between FC Seoul and Suwon Bluewings, the K League El Classico. FC Seoul are currently managerless, and have only 2 wins all season. A huge decline for the league champions just a couple of years ago. Suwon Bluewings have currently up in 2nd place and have also booked a place in the ACL round of 16. This is always a tough one to call, but with the bumper children’s day crowd I see it being a little more action packed but still ending in a draw.
Prediction: 1 – 1
Sangju Sangmu vs. Gangwon FC (4pm)
The final game on Children’s Day is between Army side Sangju Sangmu and Gangwon FC. Sangju are undefeated in 4 games now with 8 points in that period. Gangwon are sitting 2 place above them but have struggled this season with a weak defence. 20 goals scored but 20 goals conceded, sums up their season so far. However Sangju are unproven at home and I see a narrow Gangwon victory but a fair few goals. Shame that this game will be overshadowed by the Super Match.
Prediction: 3 – 4
K League 2
The K League 2 resumes on Sunday afternoon.
Details Here (Coming Soon)
Finally
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