Preview: FC Seoul Vs Gwangju FC

Yun Illok, pictured versus Suwon Bluewings, scored twice on Wednesday against Western Sydney

FC Seoul suffered their third straight Asian Champions League defeat of the season on Wednesday night, rendering the K League Champions' quest for continental glory all but over. This Sunday sees the visit of Gwangju and a chance for Hwang Sunhong's men to bounce back with a win. and, in his words 'add some defensive stability'.

Image is courtesy of naver.com 

FC Seoul							Gwangju FC
L	L	D	W	L			D	D	D	W	L
					Competition:	K-League Classic
					Date:	Mar 19, 2017
					Game Week:	Round 3
					Kick-off:	16:00
					Venue:	Seoul World Cup Stadium

Form includes ACL and last season

Last Time Out

Seoul were last in action on Wednesday, suffering a 3-2 home defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers, rendering any hopes of replicating last year's long run in the competition slim to none.

Seoul were 2-0 down at half time and then 3-0 down with just over an hour played but thanks to a brace from Yun Illok with goals on 66 and 72 minutes, Seoul began to mount what would have been the beginning of an unlikely comeback.

But, with Western Sydney dropping deeper and getting more men behind the ball, Seoul just couldn't find a third and now are now rock bottom of group F and Seoul's fightback was limited to just two consolation goals.

Seoul's last domestic action was a 1-0 victory over Gangwon in Pyeongchang at the rather unique Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium last Saturday.

Dejan Damjanovic netted the game's only goal on 78 minutes to give Seoul four points from their first two K League fixtures.

Gwangju, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Pohang Steelers on Sunday afternoon.

In front of an 18.000 strong attendance at the Steelyard, Yang Donghyun was at the double with a goal on the stroke of half time and a spot kick on 78 minutes.

Previous Meetings

The last time these two sides met was at Guus Hiddink Stadium, Gwangju, where Yun Illok grabbed a dramatic late winner to keep FC Seoul's push for the title back on track.

Midfielder Ju Sejong had the visitors in front on 11 minutes only for Lee Jongmin to level from the penalty spot in added on time in the first half.

Seoul's turn to score deep into stoppage time came at the end of the second period when Yun Illok fired home to seal the win for FC Seoul and send the traveling Seoul fans into raptures.

Gwangju's last visit to Seoul wasn't short of entertainment either with the teams playing out somewhat of a thriller which saw five goals shared.

FC Seoul seemed to be in total control of the game having taken a two goal lead through Dejan on 41 minutes and a Hong Joonho own goal ten minutes after half time, but that was until Lee Minki pulled one back on 59 minutes and Jong Jogook fired home to equalise ten minutes later.

Gwangju's comeback didnt last long, though as Dejan Damjanovic scored his second goal of the afternoon on 70 minutes to round up the scoring.

In total, there have been twelve matches played between FC Seoul and Gwangju FC, with the former having the lions share of the win margin having won nine of those games, drawing twice and losing just once.

Gwangju's only win over FC Seoul was back in April 2011 when a Joao Paulo strike on 36 minutes gave the Jeollabuk Province-based outfit an unlikely win.

Team News

FC Seoul will once again have to do without their captain Kwak Taehwi who remains sidelined with the same injury that has kept him out of Seoul's last four games.

The 36-year-old has also withdrawn from the Republic of Korea squad that is set to face China and Syria next week as a result of the ankle injury that forced him off during FC Seoul's defeat to Urawa Reds at the end of February.

Vice Captain Park Juyoung is also a huge doubt, the former Arsenal striker picked up an injury in training and as a result was absent from Seoul's squad for the defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

Midfielder Go Yohan will serve the final game of his two match ban.