Preview: FC Anyang Vs Ansan Greeners

The second Line 4 Derby of the season sees bottom of the table Anyang host promotion chasing Ansan Greeners. The domestic K League 2 season kicks off again after a one-month break and the Green Wolves will be hoping that they can get off to a good start and recapture their early season form. Anyang finished the first 16 rounds fairly strongly and looked to be on their way to a revival with just one defeat in five heading into the break. The Violets will also be hoping to hit the ground running come Saturday.
(Image via K League)

Last Time Out

Anyang had recovered some form recently, turning a run of five straight defeats around with two wins and two draws. However, hopes of climbing off the bottom of the table were scuppered by a 1-0 defeat away to ninth placed Suwon last time out.

Ansan came out 2-0 winners in their last home game against Gwangju, with Hong Deonghyeon and Choi Myunghee bagging their second and first goals of the season respectively. Conneh also gave an imperious performance, striking the post after directing a well placed header back across the goal. It was a vital win after a three game win-less streak, keeping Ansan in sight of fourth placed Busan.

Previous Meetings

This is the 18th Line 4 derby, and the sixth during the Ansan Greeners era. Ansan won the last encounter back in March, with Hong Deonghyeon opening the scoring before Jeong Heewoong equalised for the visitors just after half time. The game was eventually settled by a Seku Conneh penalty twenty minutes from time.

Team News

Raul is still suspended for Ansan for his controvertial sending off at Daejeon, despite scoring in the midweek friendly against Jeju United. Otherwise, both sides have had a chance for a two week break, and should not have any major injury concerns. Ansan made the most of the World Cup break with a triple header of friendlies against Jeju United. Ansan came away with a 1-0 win , a 2-2 draw and a 1-2 defeat with Raul, Conneh, Jang Hyeokjin and Jeong Kiwoong all finding the net.

Who To Watch

Anyang have scored only three goals less than Ansan, despite being twelve points further down the table. Brazilian Alex with six, and Jeong Heewoong with four are responsible for two thirds of Anyang's goals and will provide a firm examination of the Greeners' defence. Ansan should have a full squad to choose from, and Greeners fans will be hoping that Choi Hojoo is ready to return to his early season form again. The Green Wolves have goals right across the team: expect youngsters Lee Geon and Shin Ilsu to stand up to the Anyang attack, and mabe add to their combined tally of three goals from the back.

Prediction

Anyang will be desperate to win this derby, as they now site five points adrift of 9th placed Suwon FC. However, despite Ansan's hot and cold form, they should have enough to take three points from this one and keep pace with the play-off places.

FC Anyang 1-2 Ansan Greeners