Daejeon Citizen Vs Jeonnam Dragons: Preview

Daejeon Citizen Vs Jeonnam Dragons 

K League Classic Round 34 Sunday 17th October 2015 

Form:

Daejeon: LLDLLD Jeonnam: DDLLLL 

Daejeon’s relegation countdown can officially get underway this coming Sunday when the Dragons of Jeonnam visit Purple Arena. 

Returning midfielder Kim Byung-Suk. Photo credit: DCFC.co.kr

The once fire-breathing Dragons, who were flying high, have had their wings clipped as of late and are in the midst of a dismal run of form. 

Jeonnam’s Champions League qualification ambitions were snatched from their once-tight grasp between their talons, essentially at the end of July, having failed to pick up a victory since. 

In addition, Wednesday night saw Jeonnam’s flames well and truly extinguished when the Gwangyang-based club were slayed by Incheon United in the FA Cup semi final. 

Much like Daejeon then, all Jeonnam have to play for over the next five matches is pride. 

With both teams seemingly as bad as each other - judging from recent form at least - Sunday’s contest should be an interesting one. 

However, a defeat and Daejeon could find themselves relegated this weekend if Busan pick up three points at home to Gwangju. 

Previous Meetings 

During this campaign Daejeon have played out some close encounters with their southern counterparts having played our two stalemates at Gwangyang Stadium either side of a 3-2 defeat at Purple Arena.

Just last month, with just three traveling Daejeon fans on hand to witness a rare point on the road, Seo Myung-Won put Citizen ahead after just 11 minutes with an expertly executed strike. 

But, true to form, Daejeon weren’t able to hold onto their lead and were only able to last until just shy of the hour mark before conceding a Lee Jong-Ho equaliser.  

In front of slightly more of their own supporters in July, Daejeon fell to a 3-2 defeat in July – during Jeonnam’s purple patch. 

Again, Daejeon took the lead – this time through Brazilian utility man Wanderson.  

Utility man Wanderson has been one of few high points this year. Photo credit: DCFC.co.kr

The defender-turned attacker put the home side ahead after just 12 minutes only for Orsic to level just 14 minutes later.

Wanderson restored Daejeon’s lead midway through the second half only for Ristic to break Daejeon hearts with a 10-minute brace to turn the game on its head. 

Daejeon’s last win against Jeonnam dates back to the tail-end of the 2013 season. 

Lee Dong-Hyun and Han In-Kyung were on hand to score two late goals that sealed a 2-0 win for relegation bound Daejeon. 

Could history repeat itself? 

Team News 

Kim Byung-Suk made a surprise return when his two year military service came to and end.  

The attacking midfielder made his first appearance for Daejeon in over two years during the 0-0 draw with Ulsan a fortnight ago. 

The experienced midfielder is expected to keep his place in the side whilst fellow returnee Han Gyeong-In could be in line for a return.