Preview: Incheon United vs. Sangju Sangmu

It all comes down to this, Incheon United vs Sangju Sangmu on the final weekend of the K League season. Sangju need to win to avoid the relegation playoff place but Incheon need just a point to ensure absolute safety.

(image via IUFC Press)

Last Time Out

Incheon United picked up a hard fought point on the road against Jeonnam Dragons in a 2-2 draw a fortnight ago. They finished the game with only nine men, as Bunoza and Weslley both saw red.

Sangju Sangmu fell to a 4-3 defeat two weeks ago against Pohang Steelers. They dropped a point in the last few minutes and are now below Jeonnam and Incheon. Therefore, they need to win on Saturday afternoon to guarantee safety.

Previous Meetings 

August 12th: Sangju Sangmu 1-2 Incheon United

A few months ago Incheon edged the last encounter with Park Yong-Ji scoring the winner in the 88th minute.

During the 2017 season Incheon have the edge over Sangju, winning two of the three games 2-1 and 1-0 with the other ending 1-1, the only other game played in Incheon.

Over the years these sides have have played each other 32 times, with the record favouring Incheon. Sangju have only won twice away against Incheon, once in 2014 the other in 2005.

Incheon United Wins: 15
Sangju Sangmu Wins: 8
Draws: 9

Who To Watch

There are a few standout players for both sides, players who need to play well on Saturday for their sides survival.

Incheon United

Recently, former Melbourne City defender Connor Chapman has been a key reason why Incheon have looked so strong at the back. Case in point when he had an off day they lost 5-0.

Winger Moon Seon-Min has had a solid debut season in the K League following his return to Korea from Sweden. He's scored some important goals and has been key in the creation of others.

Finally, a shoutout to striker Enzo Maidana: the Argentinian scored for the first time a couple of weeks and could feature on Saturday.


Sangju Sangmu

Forward Joo Min-Kyu has been on fire this season scoring 17 times and has proven that his form at parent club Seoul E-Land wasn't a fluke.

Defender Hong Chul has been a rock at the back and is another member of the Sangju squad edging into World Cup contention.

Finally, keeper Choi Pil-Soo could be key if he starts again on Saturday following a disappointing performance two weeks ago.

Prediction

This will be a close one with half an eye on the Daegu-Jeonnam game. If Jeonnam lose then a draw will be enough for both to survive. Overall Incheon will be defensive, a draw will do and if they can score on the counter it could be game over early on. Ideally, Sangju need a win but can't afford to lose, therefore they may also play defensive. It will be a cagey game on a cold afternoon, and a draw seems the likely outcome.

Incheon United 1-1 Sangju Sangmu