Preview: Incheon United vs Jeonnam Dragons

Incheon United and Jeonnam Dragons; two bottom sides go head to head this Saturday in the Classic. Both teams will fight over their first 3 points this season at Incheon Football Stadium. Here, our Incheon columnist, Jun Kim, and Jeonnam columnist, Alex Meyer, discuss both teams and give their prediction.

Jun asks and Alex Answers

Jun: Jeonnam Dragons have the second highest attempted shots so far in the Classic with 72 shots in the last 5 games; Jeonnam are only behind Jeju United (77 shots), but well ahead of Jeonbuk (59 shots) and Pohang (71 shots). Do you think there is a problem with Jeonnam's attack this season? If so, what can be done to fix this problem?

Alex: That's a very interesting statistic I had no idea about. Unfortunately it hasn't led to more goals.

The problem I see up front is a lack of consistency which may be a consequence to changes in the squad. I'm still optimistic and favor the pairing of Jair with Feczesin up top. Hopefully they get some more time together and as the season progresses, the goal tally does as well.

Jun: Who's the danger man for Jeonnam that Incheon should be weary of?

Alex: I could make a list of players not to worry about, since that isn't the question I would say keep your eye on Jugovic. This will be his second game back from injury and last week he showed some flashes of his creativity; dangerous penetrating passes.

Jun: Should Jeonnam fans be worried about relegation? Or is it too early?

Alex: Five games into the season, relegation talk is premature in my opinion.

But with that being said, if we continue to play with three at the back, keeping opponents off the board is going to be tough, translating into a long season.

Jun: Your prediction for the game?

Alex: Dragons come out with a different formation, defend well with numbers and knock in a couple.

2-1 to Dragons.

Alex asks and Jun Answers

Alex: Incheon have been inconsistent with their scoring, every other game getting shut out. What is leading to this inconsistency?

Jun: I personally think the real problem for Incheon is theri inability to keep a clean sheet. Incheon have only one clean sheet so far in the league and surprisingly, it was against mighty Jeonbuk Hyundai.

However, they have conceded 2 goals or more in 3 games so far (2 vs Daegu, 3 vs Suwon and 2 vs Pohang), so I think stability in defence is an area that needs to be addressed.

Alex: The second question is part and parcel with the first question; The Dragons have a serious problem with stopping opponents from scoring, what tactics have seemed to have work to stop Incheon from getting on the board that could help the Dragons?

Jun: Jeonnam need stop incheon's wide-men; especially the new signing Moon Seon-min.
Incheon players have shown that they can get the goals to flow when their wingers are given plenty of the ball and enough space.
So if Jeonnam midfielders and fullbacks can stop that from happening, then there is a good chance that Jeonnam can keep Incheon scoreless.

Alex: What are some bright spots that gives you optimism Incheon won't be facing a relegation battle all season?

Jun: Incheon's newcomers; especially Gordan Bunoza in defence and Moon Seon-min in midfield.
Those two new boys have led the others so well in attack and defence, that I think it's a shane that Incheon still haven't picked up a win.

Nevertheless, it's still early in the season and incheon players need more time to gel together.
I think it's the same for Jeonnam; although they're struggling right now, there's still plenty of time for the Dragons to rise.


Alex: Your prediction of the game?

Jun: It's Incheon's home game and based on some latest Korean interviews, I can see the desperation from the home side. I'm going to go with 2-1 win for Incheon United.

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