Daejeon Citizen vs Jeobuk Hyundai Preview

Fixtures in the K League don’t come too much tougher than current champions Jeonbuk Hyundai, even more so when you’re rooted to the foot of the table.

Sunday evening sees the Jeonju-based giants travel to Daejeon in what is a top versus bottom clash.

Photo Credit: DCFC.co.kr

Whilst Citizen are firmly propping up the table, yet to take their points tally into double figures, and nine points from safety, Jeonbuk are the season’s pace-setters.

Those clad in green bearing Hyundai across their chests are motoring along, seven points clear of their nearest rivals Suwon; in turn making them in the driving seat en route to retain their Championship.

However, it has been proven that the Green Warriors are not infallible, even in their own backyard.

Jeonbuk dropped points at home to Jeonnam Dragons and stalled at the Steel Yard in the FA Cup, albeit to a strong Pohang Steelers side – not to mention a defeat to Seongnam at Tancheon.

The last time these two sides met was as recent as mid-May.

At Jeonju World Cup Stadium Daejeon thought they were on their way to an upset thanks to an early Adriano goal.

The Brazilian slotted home with just 11 minutes on the clock only for Jeonbuk to turn the game on its head within 20 minutes.

Lee Dong-Guk levelled on 22 minutes before Leonardo netted what turned out to be the winner on the half hour mark.

Daejeon could perhaps have considered themselves unlucky to return home with nothing to show for their efforts.

Said performance, coupled with the valiant effort at home to FC Seoul for example, shows that Daejeon can mix it with the big boys when they want to.

Although the Purples have just eight points on the board, their performances have perhaps merited more.

Despite this, the Daejeon faithful could perhaps not be blamed for conceding that it is the second tier that beckons for them next year.

In which case, anything more than a plucky defeat would be considered to be a huge bonus.

However, Daejeon will be boosted by the recent arrivals in the transfer market.

Brazilian defender Wanderson takes up one of the two available foreigner slots following the releases of Ricardinho and Sassa.

Elsewhere, new gaffer Choi Moon-Sik has been busy in the transfer market meaning that there could be as many as six debutants for Daejeon come Sunday.

Defender Kim Tae-Bong, known for his stability, has arrived from FC Anyang.

As too has Gangwon’s Son Seol-Min on loan, a midfielder revered for intelligence on the ball, in a deal which saw Seo Myeong-Sik move the other way on loan.

Lee Hyun-Seung, a midfielder from Bucheon FC has also penned a deal with the Purples.

Other signings are Han Ui-Gwon, a midfielder from Gyeongnam and Ko Min-Hyuk on loan from Ulsan Hyundai.

One man who won't be involved is Adriano.

Last season's top scorer is suspended following his sending off away to Incheon United.