Preview: Sangju Sangmu vs Incheon United

Only two games to go until the World Cup Break and managerless Incheon United will be certainly looking forward to being able to re-group. Still before then they face an improved Sangju Sangmu on Sunday afternoon.
(Image via K League)

Last Time Out

Incheon United 1-2 Jeju United
Incheon fell to yet another last minute defeat when they hosted Jeju United last Saturday afternoon. Jeju took the lead late in the first half when Jin Sung-Wook maybe the most of some slack Incheon defending. Kim Jin-Ya equalized by Incheon early in the second half. But sadly Incheon were hit by the VAR curse again, and Ryu Seung-Woo scored the resulting penalty. Incheon didn't play well on the day, but maybe deserved at least a point.

Highlights: here

Sangju Sangmu 3-0 Gangwon FC
Sangju Sangmu won their third game in five games last weekend, easily dispatching Gangwon in only their second home game of the season. Kim Do-Hyung opened the scoring in the first half. Before Sim Dong-Woon scored a second early in the second. Kim Do-Hyung completed the rout with his second of the game shortly after.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

Incheon and Sangju last played each other a month ago with Sangju claiming a late 93rd minute winner thanks to a sloppy penalty. Only 1402 turned up that evening, and those who missed the game didn't miss much.

Over the years Incheon and Sangju have played each other 34 times with Incheon edging the number of victories by sixteen to nine. Incheon last won at away against Sangmu in August last season 2-1. Whilst Sangju last beat Incheon at home in May 2016, winning 4-2.

Who To Watch

Incheon United's Montenegrin striker Stefan Mugoša started the season strongly and despite a suspension still looked dangerous moving forward. However in recent week the cat is out the bag and rival sides have been keeping a close eye on him.

In midfield, winger Moon Seon-min went off early last weekend with a slight injury. Fingers crossed he'll be back to 100% on Sunday, as his 6 goals in 12 games so far this season have often been a glimmer of hope in dark times.

Finally at the back...well this is the area of the pitch were Incheon are seriously lacking. Kim Yong-Hwan has maybe been the most consistent this season, but he still hasn't been great.

As for Sangju Sangmu; Kim Do-Hyung is a interesting player to keep an eye on as he'll be available on a free transfer in September as his previous club Chungju Hummel folded after he joined Sangju for his military service. 2 goals last weekend saws he's in form as well.

Prediction

Incheon have struggled with the busy K League schedule and a good 5 days rest will have been welcomed. With a new manager coming in soon, the Incheon squad have a lot to prove in order to keep their names on the team sheet. However they take on a strong looking Sangju Sangmu, who've been improving week-on-week and are safely in mid-table at the moment. I see Sangju winning this one, making the most of some of Incheon's weaknesses at the back and maybe gaining from a little VAR action as well. Incheon should at least score, but I don't think they'll have enough on Sunday afternoon to beat Sangju.

Predicted Score: Sangju Sangmu 2-1 Incheon United