After a few weeks off the AFC Champions League / ACL2019 returns this week. The group stages are closing in on the half way point now and sides cannot really afford to let their feet off the gas. It’s a completely K League vs. J-League / Korea vs. Japan week of games. Here are my predictions and quick previews.
This season I’ve kept things simple with the key match date information and a prediction for each game per game week. Fingers crossed if I have time I’ll expand into previews etc as the campaigns progress.
2019 AFC Champions League: K League Club Predictions (Week 3)
Gyeongnam FC
Gyeongnam FC vs. Kashima Antlers
Prediction – Gyeongnam FC 1-1 Kashima Antlers
This will be a tough game for the K League side Gyeongnam against the defending champions league holders Kashima. The J-League side might be the bookies favorites, however I see Gyeongnam taking a point off them.
Jeonbuk Hyundai
Urawa Reds vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai
Prediction: Urawa Reds 1-2 Jeonbuk Hyundai
Jeonbuk Hyundai rested a number of their key players at the weekend and were still able to ease past Incheon United 2-0 in the K League. So I feel like they will have the fitness to hold off Urawa and take home all three points from Japan.
Daegu FC
Daegu FC vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Prediction: Daegu FC 1-1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
I see Daegu springing a slight surprise and picking up a point against the current J-League leaders Hiroshima. Daegu maybe top of their group but this will be a tough game for them.
Ulsan Hyundai
Ulsan Hyundai vs. Kawasaki Frontale
Prediction: Ulsan Hyundai 2 – 0 Kawasaki Frontale
The final game of the round/week is a winnable one on the paper for Ulsan Hyundai. I see them overcoming the J-League side and moving a step closer to the knockout stages.
Finally
Any thoughts, comments or questions. Feel free to comment below or message me via Twitter.
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