Preview: Pohang vs Jeonbuk

Jeonbuk is playing Pohang away after a disappointing defeat in the AFC Champions League against Binh Duong(albeit, with quite a few shady decisions). Pohang is also coming off a AFC Champions League defeat against Sydney, and will look forward to a morale boosting victory. 

Pohang Steelers

Key player: Son Junho, Shim Dongwoon

Summary:

Many K League fans might remember Pohang as a classic powerhouse. Unfortunately, due to poor decisions regarding management and the financial troubles of POSCO, it has been reduced to a strong split B candidate. Pohang saved their best players for this match, playing their B-team verses Sydney, with the manager focusing on the league. Unfortunately, saving their best players for this match (in my honest opinion) will only do little for Pohang. Pohang doesn't have a solid killer, a goal scorer. Lazar, the starting forward, has been goaless for over a year (and finally assisted twice this year...), unlike the currently undefeated (in the league) Jeonbuk, which is flowing with talent.

Best Guess XI
GK: Shin Hwayong

DF: Kim Daeho|Kim Kwangsuk|Bae Seulgi|Park Sunyong

Comments: Despite Kim Daeho playing poorly (and consequently earning the hate of many Pohang fans), I do see him starting as he did in previous matches, although I believe Choi should take a chance and utilize Woo Chanyang, the rookie out of the youth ranks. 

MF: Lee Gwanghyeok|Hwang Jisoo|Moon Changjin|Son Junho|Shim Dongwoon

Comments: Pohang has a rather solid midfield, which will be one of the things that might trouble Jeonbuk. I do not forsee any of the same players that played vs Sydney to at least start. 

FW: Lazar

Comments: Hate to say this, but... Lazar. 

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Key player: Lee Jaesung 

While I don't watch Jeonbuk too much, I can say coming off from a 3-2 loss in the Champions League, Jeonbuk will be eager to seal a win against Pohang. Like Pohang, Jeonbuk also saved some of their starters for this match. Unlike the Champions League, Jeonbuk is faring well in the league, and will hope to keep their league form continuing. This isn't even mentioning Jeonbuk has much more depth than Pohang. If the defense doesn't make mistakes like the last fixture vs Binh Duong (and any mistakes they made in that game in general, such as substitution), I am certain that the Jeonbuk "dakgong" will overcome Pohang.

Best Guess XI

GK: Kwoun Suntae

DF: Park Wonjae|Kim Hyungil|Lim Jongeun|Choi Chulsoon

MF: Go Mooyeol|Lee Ho||Luiz|Lee Jaesung|Lopez

FW: Lee Donggook

Comments: Lim Jongeun will return to the starting lineup, along with the usual Lee Donggook and Lee Jaesung. I see Lee Ho starting ahead of Erik "Man-crush" Paartalu, who performed poorly in the last ACL fixture. 

Match Thoughts

Despite poor showing from Jeonbuk last match, a Jeonbuk win seems likely. They have much more squad depth, and a player that can actually finish. Both teams will depend heavily on their midfielders, with Pohang depending on Son junho and Jeonbuk heavily on Lee Jaesung, and how these players do could possibly influence the outcome of the match. 

Prediction: Pohang 0:Jeonbuk 2