Preview: Daegu FC vs Gangwon FC

Promoted side Daegu FC is set to host Gangwon FC this Saturday night, a side who managed to secure a spot in the K League Classic via the play offs last year. Both teams need three points to bounce back from their disappointing results in midweek; Daegu will be hoping to get out of relegation zone whilst Gangwon will want to keep chasing the leading pack.

Image courtesy of Daegu FC Facebook

Overview

Graphic from Soccerway.com

Last Time Out

Daegu hosted Suwon Bluewings this Wednesday and were beaten comprehensively 3-0 and had Leo and Cesinha sent off to add insult to injury. In spite of the fact that Daegu conceded an early goal from the only attempt by Johnathan, they were fairly comfortable. That was until Leo committed a foul to Suwon side and was given his marching orders. Afterwards, Daegu started to collapse and were dealt another red card this time to Cesinha, which was definitely an unnecessary action.

Meanwhile, Gangwon had to settle for a point when they hosted Gwangju in the last round. It seemed Gangwon may have been on their way to win with two goals in a just few minutes. However, Song Seung-min, who has recently set the new records of 67 consecutive games, equalised for Gwangju from inside the box. For Gangwon, it must be seen as a game they should have won, in order to keep the pressure on the teams above them.

Previous Meetings

Graphics from Soccerway.com

The last time both teams met when it was 13th May in Pyeongchang when Gangwon beat the visitors 2-1 with great performances on the flanks. In the middle of heavy rain, Gangwon effectively and constantly capitalised on Daegu’s space in behind with very high quality passes from Hwang Jin-sung and Moon Chang-jin in the middle. As a result, the first goal was scored from the free kick taken by Hwang Jin-sung and the second goal started from on the right side by breaking down Daegu’s defence with creative short passes.

Team News

Obviously, Daegu have encountered the worst crisis so far. It is no exaggerating to say how paramount of importance the foreign players’ roles are for Daegu as they have scored 15 of Daegu's 18 total goals scored. However, none are available for the visit of Gangwon as two of the Brazilians, Leo and Ceisnha, are suspended due to the sendings off in last game, whilst their compatriate Evandro is still out because of a knee injury. So, this time we will perhaps see more youngsters and new faces on the starting list such as Kim Dae-won and Jung Seung-won. Moreover, Shin Chang-moo could back to the starting list to give some energy up top.

The Adversary

In their last give games, Gangwon have been sharp in the attacking areas of the pitch while pretty loose in defence. Except when they travelled to Jeonju when they lost 4-1 to Jeonbuk Hyundai, the newly-promoted side scored more than two goals in each game. Particularly, Lee Keun-ho and Diego have been on fire, although Jung Jo-kook is sidelined for two months. On the contrary to this, they didn’t show any steeliness in defence but goalkeeper, Lee Bum-young, is doing his best to achieve a clean sheet which he has not yet been able to achieve in the league so far this season.

What To Watch

It would be interesting to take a close look at two things; the first thing is how Daegu can pick up the pieces and bounce back with a victory after the mess in the last round against Suwon Bluewings. Andre, currently acting as interim manager, is at the point where his ability as a coach will be tested. Let’s see what strategy he will take come Saturday.

image via Daegu FC Facebook.com/daegufc2002

The second thing is whether the visitors can finish the match without conceding. This year Gangwon have conceded 28 goals from 17 games and have not kept a single clean sheet, FA Cup aside.