Preview: K League 1 Round 2

With only one round of games gone so far, it is still far too early to call how K League could go. However, with the current champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors scoring six and conceding three in the AFC Champions League this week, it will be interesting to see if they score a few again this weekend.        

(Image via Pohang Steelers)

Saturday 10th March 

Incheon United (8th) v Jeonbuk Motors (3rd) 14:00

Jeonbuk with travel north to face Incheon United this weekend. After suffering defeat on the opening week of the season, it will be a tough test for the home side against a Jeonbuk team already playing some exciting football. However, with the away side conceding three goals in the week, the Choi Kanghee will be looking for a clean sheet from his side on Saturday to put this right.

To read more about this game you can check out Matt Binns and Tim Barnes' Writers' preview here.

Daegu (12th) v Suwon Bluewings (9th) 14:00

The game between Daegu and the Bluewings will see two teams meet who have started their seasons sluggishly. Last time out the home side lost 3-0 to Pohang, while the Bluewings lost last week in the league against Jeonnam Dragons and have had a stuttering start to their AFC Champions League campaign with a win, a draw and a defeat. After a great first season in the K League 1 last season Daegu have a plenty of time to turn it around, however, after Wednesday's disappointing draw in the ACL, the Bluewings will be determined come away with the win. Bluewings' Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanović has bagged in the ACL but is yet to find the net in league action thus far. Columnists Ryan Walters and Paul Neat sat down with the K League legend this week at the Upper Deck where the former FC Seoul man declared that he knows the goals will come.

Columnists Muyeol Jung and Scott Whitelock preview the game here

Full Interview:


Gyeongnam (2nd) v Jeju United (6th) 14:00
Gyeongnam, the K League 1 newcomers, started the season very well last week with a 3-1 win over army team Sangju Sangmu. This week they face a tougher test however in the form of Jeju United who was involved in last week's only draw. Jeju United had an entertaining midweek as they lost in Guangzhou going down to a 5-3 defeat against Guangzhou Evergrande after being two goals up. This game could be a goal fest then as both teams can score goals and I could see this being a score draw. Brazilian striker Marcao is suspended for Gyeongnam following his red card last week.

Columnist James Edrupt previews the game here

Ulsan Hyundai (11th) v Sangju Sangmu (10th) 16:00

Ulsan Hyundai taking on Sangju Sangmu in week two of the K League 1 will see two sides meet who lost on the opening week of the new season. With both teams looking to get their first points of the new season on the board, with Ulsan's poor form, the back end of last season seemingly continuing into the new league season. However, the Horangi are undefeated after three games in the AFC Champions League. Meanwhile, Sangju Sangmu will be looking to improve after staying up last season by bcoming the first K League 1/Classic team to win the Promotion/Relegation the playoffs. Given Ulsan's strength in depth, the home side ought to be seen as the favourites.

Columnist Dan Croyden previews the game here

Sunday 11th March 

Jeonnam Dragons (5th) v Pohang Steelers (1st) 14:00

Jeonnam Dragons will host the early leaders Pohang Steelers in Sunday's first game. Dragons started the season well with an away win over the Bluewings last time out. Likewise, Pohang Steelers won 3-0 at home to Daegu making them the early leaders on goals scored. While Sunday's game will be between two teams unlikely to make too much of an impact on the title race come the end of the season this should be an exciting game. And, with two teams playing good football last week, you would hope this would be an entertaining encounter.

Columnist Aodan Halligan previews the game here

FC Seoul (7th) v Gangwon (4th) 16:00

The last game of the weekend sees us head to the capital as FC Seoul face Gangwon FC at home. Seoul started the season with a goalless draw at Jeju United last week and so they will be hoping to be a bit more of an attacking threat this week. Sunday's visitors to Sangam, Gangwon, that started well last week with a 2-1 win at home to Incheon United. A player to look out for from the away side is a new signing from Serbia Uroš Đerić who picked up a goal and an assist on his debut last week.

Columnist Paul Neat previews the game here