Preview: Suwon Bluewings vs Jeonnam Dragons

An in form Suwon team have the opportunity to further push their title claims on Wednesday night when they take on Jeonnam Dragons in what promises to be a high scoring affair. Free scoring Jeonnam remain undefeated in the last 7 games whilst Suwon have won 5 of their last 7. And with Johnathan and Jair both on show (the two leading goalscorers in the league) this battle in Gyeongi-do should be one that every neutral supporter should want to see. 
(photo courtesy of www.bluewings.kr)

Last Time Out

Suwon continued their march up the table with a solid away win at Pohang. A fantastic first half display saw them hold a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Johnathan and Koh Seung-beom, but with the number of chances they created they could have easily doubled that lead before the end of the first half.

A resilient 2nd half display from Pohang saw them pull themselves back into the game and make it 2-1 but yet another goal from Johnathan restored Suwon's two goal cushion. And despite Pohang scoring a late goal, Suwon were able to see out the rest of the game and secure their 3rd consecutive win.

Meanwhile, Jeonnam were busy playing their part in a seven-goal thriller against Daegu FC. Jeonnam found themselves 3-0 up inside 49 minutes only to see themselves pegged back to 3-3 in a fifteen minute spell in the second period. But, a Róbert Feczesin strike in the 83rd minute, his third of the evening, sealed the points for the Dragons.

The Adversary and Who To Watch

Robert Feczesin has really found his form in the K league and is playing with a boat load of confidence. He has had a challenging first half of the season but for the last three games he has been involved in goals each game, culminating in a hat-trick on Saturday. His 3 goal day easily could have been 5, if it wasn't for the post and blatant handball on a shot heading for the back of the net. All-season long he’s been getting himself in dangerous positions and with his strength has been causing headaches for defenders. Now that he’s found his scoring boots he is gonna be dangerous in the 2nd half of the season, especially being paired up with one of the most dangerous K-League players, Jair.

That brings us to Jair, another player you gotta keep your eye on. If the Dragons are scoring it's almost a guarantee Jair is involved. Tied for the top scorer with 13 goals he will be in the conversation all-season long. He can do it in the air, shots from distance, he can dribble you both ways creating his own space and his own shot, and he is there to pounce on any loose ball in the box. He is a pleasure to watch and does it with style and grace.

Jugo, is another one to keep an eye on. He might not show up in the stat sheets like the other 2 players but ask any player around the league and they all have lots of respect for him. He is there breaking up plays, starting counters, and creating havoc for the opposition. Keep an eye on his work-ethic, it's unbelievable how much space he covers in a 90 minute game and the energy he exudes. It's like playing with the 13th man when he is on the field.

(Many thanks to Alex Meyer, our Jeonnam columnist, for providing this overview)

Prediction

Jeonnam's style of play certainly favours them when they are playing away from home and they are now on a 4 game unbeaten run when playing away. And when you add to this Suwon's inability to win at home this may be a game that the away team feel they can win.

However, if Suwon, and Johnathan in particular, can produce the same tempo and skill that they did on the road in Pohang last weekend they should be too much to handle for a weak Jeonnam defence.

Suwon 2 - 1 Jeonnam