Preview: Suwon Bluewings vs Gangwon FC

Suwon's disappointing performance in last week's Super Match has left their hopes of a league title in doubt and this weekend's visitors to Suwon World Cup stadium will hope to increase the misery on the home team. However, manageress Gangwon, come into this game with their own troubles and will be desperately searching for a 3 point haul that would halt their slump down the table. 
(www.bluewings.kr)

Last Time Out

Suwon, yet again, spurned an opportunity to bridge the gap between themselves and top of the table Jeonbuk as they lost their 2nd Super Match of the season last weekend. A dull and hard fought game saw neither team carve out any real clear cut opportunities and a calamitous Kwak Kwang-seon own goal was enough to send Seoul home with all 3 points.

Gangwon were also on the receiving end of a home defeat last weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by a resurgent Jeju United. Headed goals from Jin Sung-wook and Kim Won-il were enough to defeat a largely toothless Gangwon team who have scored a paltry 2 goals in their last 5 games. And their current run of one win in their last 7 games was enough of a reason for manager Choi Yun-kyum to resign from his position in midweek.

Team News

Perhaps the turning point in last weekend's Super Match was the injury to Suwon's star striker, Johnathan (pictured above), on the stroke of half time. The Brazilian, who took some tough blows, one of which has fractured the striker's ankle leaving him sidelined for atleast 2 months. With the continued absence of Park Gi-dong and Kim Jong-min, Suwon's only recognised centre forward is Kim Gun-hee. It is also doubtful whether or not Gun-hee, who has less than 90 minutes playing time this season, will be available tomorrow as he wasn't a part of last week's matchday squad.

But, just like Suwon, Gangwon are also missing their focal point in attack as veteran striker Jung Jo-gook is still suffering from the muscle injury that has kept him out for much of the season. The absence of last year's Kleague MVP is currently being felt as Gangwon struggle to score goals on a consistent basis.

Who To Watch

Despite having a very busy winter transfer window, one in which they bought a number of big name players, only one player has shone for Gangwon this season; Lee Keun-ho. The forward may have only registered  a modest amount of goals (5 in the league) the winger has been a shining light in quite a dull Kleague season. His pace and trickery, on either wing, was a key component in Gangwon's early season form and he has even led the line well in the absence of the aforementioned Jung Jo-gook. And his 2 goal haul against Suwon earlier in the season should be enough warning to the Suwon defence that he should not be taken lightly.

Prediction

Suwon's loss to Seoul was disappointing but they still remain in a good position to continue their title challenge. However, the injury to Johnathan raises the huge question as to who will score goals in his absence. And as Gangwon continue to draw a blank in important games and pick-up points this match has the potential to be a boring goalless draw.

Suwon 0-0 Gangwon