Preview: Pohang Steelers vs Daegu FC

With 3 games left to play, this weekend Pohang and Daegu face off for the final time this season. After falling into the bottom six, Steelers are hoping to finish this season with as many points as they can, while the promoted side Daegu FC want to secure a place in the Classic for next year in advance.

(Photo Credit: Daegu FC Facebook)

Overview

(soccerway.com)

Last Time Out

Pohang traveled to Gwangyang to take on the Dragons last Saturday. The visitors easily got the three points with two goals from Lulinha and an own goal from the hosts. The early goal from Feczesin gave Dragons a pleasant lead in the first half, but Steelers came from behind to make it 3-1 in the end.

Meanwhile, Daegu invited Incheon to their home, Daegu stadium and the game ended up in a goalless draw. The game was a very good opportunity for the hosts to repel other relegation contenders, but Daegu had to settle for a point. Daegu could have won the game if they were much luckier. Evandro netted in the first half, but the goal was denied again after the Video Assistant Referee was checked, pointing at the foul by Kim Sun-min near half-line. In the second half, a penalty kick was given to Daegu as Incheon defender Ha Chang-rae was sent off. However, kicker Junior Negao swung strongly and hit the woodwork.

 

Previous Meetings

(soccerway.com)

Junior Negao gave Daegu an early lead by converting from the spot. While Daegu were dominant, Pohang were down to ten as Steelers defender Oh Do-hyun snatched Cesinha as he was dribbling in the counter attack. In the second half, Pohang made it a draw with a direct free kick from Wanderson. However, in the blink of eye, Daegu made it 2-1 again. Junior broke the offside trap cunningly and put away the shot. The through pass from Kim Sun-min in the middle was absolutely brilliant.

Team News

Overall, the team has solidified after the VAR incidents against Jeonbuk game. The three Brazilians are very sharp and their harmony in the attacking zone is great even though they were unlucky in the last game. Evandro would be especially keen to score as his recent two goals were denied through VAR decisions and his record was tied up with nine goals. Interestingly, there’s another motivation for them. Daegu are on the verge of scoring 700 goals in the club’s history with only a goal required. It will be intriguing for supporters to guess who will leave their name in the club’s history forever.

The Adversary

Recently, local boy Kim Seung-dae returned to the pitch after seven games suspension due to a malicious foul. His performance in the Incheon game was significantly brilliant and he would be hungry to play more. Moreover, whether Yang Dong-hyun will score or not will be interesting as he is ranked the 2nd top scorer with 18 goals, three goals behind Johnathan.

Prediction

Pohang will likely take an early lead until mid-first half but, Daegu will come from behind and level the game with a goal from Evandro.

Predicted Score: Pohang 1 – 1 Daegu