Preview: K League 2 Round 17

After a one-month break domestic K League action is back and it begins with K League 2 Round 17. All 10 will restart their seasons over the course of the weekend including automatic promotion-chasing and table-topping Asan Mugunghwa heading south to Gwangju, Seoul E-Land hosting Suwon FC and Busan IPark taking on Daejeon Citizen. All this and more in your comprehensive guide to K League 2 Round 17.
(image via KLeague)

Saturday 30th June

Bucheon 1995 (3rd) Vs Seongnam FC (2nd) 19:00

Both Bucheon and Seongnam head into Saturday's game having won just one of their last five matches. Seongnam looked as though they had had their place at the summit of the K League 2 table secured but a drastic drip in form meant that the Magpies dropped to second. Bucheon lost to Daejeon last time out and have won just one of their last eight home games, the 4-1 win over Suwon FC at the start of June. However, Saturday's game will be seen as a fresh start for both teams. Likewise, both Jung Gabsuk and Nam Ki-il will be eager for their respective teams to get off to a good start. Seongnam won the last meeting between these two sides earlier in the campaign, but Bucheon were victors when these two sides went head-to-head in Bucheon. A win for Bucheon this Saturday would see them draw level on points with Seongnam, a win for the Magpies could ensure of a return to the top of the table.

Prediction: Bucheon 1995 1-1 Seongnam FC

Twitter hashtag: #BUCvSFC

Seoul E-Land (8th) Vs Suwon FC (9th) 19:00

A game that is now being dubbed as the #SuperiorMatch, Suwon FC make the short trip north to the capital to take on Seoul E-Land. E-land Both teams struggled for consistency prior to the World Cup break, more notably Suwon who managed to end a run of four games without a win, and three straight defeats, by beating FC Anyang last time out. E-Land meanwhile have dipped into the transfer market already having brought in centre back Ivan Herceg and Lee Hyunsung from Gyeongnam as well as Chilean forward Ignacio but none will be able to play until after 2nd July when the transfer window opens. Suwon have offloaded a handful of players in a bid to kickstart their season again.

Full preview from Seoul E-Land Columnist Michael Redmond: here

Twitter hashtag: #ELANDvSUW

FC Anyang (10th) Vs Ansan Greeners (7th) 19:00

Bottom placed FC Anyang seemed to have finally found their groove somewhat before the World Cup break, losing just once in five. Manager Ko Jeongwoon will be hoping his side can recapture that form when they welcome Ansan Greeners this Saturday night for the Line 4 Derby. Likewise, Ansan Greeners gaffer Lee Heungsil will be hoping that the break has given the likes of Conneh the chance to get back to full fitness to help with the Green Wolves' struggle to find form after a run of just two wins in eight.

Full preview from Ansan Greeners Columnist Mike Brandon: here

Twitter hashtag: #ANYvANS

Sunday 1st July

Busan IPark (4th) Vs Daejeon Citizen (6th) 19:00

Promotion-hopefuls Busan IPark will welcome Daejeon Citizen to the Asiad Stadium this Sunday very much with three points in mind. Busan were in decent form prior to the summer break remaining unbeaten in five. Four of those games were draws, however, and only one came at home - the 1-1 stalemate against Suwon FC. Daejeon, then, will have their work cut out for them if they are to get anything from Sunday's game. That said, leading scorer Shohruh Gadoev is back from suspension and will add that extra bit of firepower.

Full preview from Busan IPark Columnist Tom Marcantonio: here

Twitter hashtag: #BUSvDCFC

Gwangju FC (7th) Vs Asan Mugunghwa (1st) 19:00

Table-topping Asan Mugunghwa head south to Jeolla Province to take on seventh place Gwangju. Asan have just one defeat in five and head to Guus Hiddink Stadium on the back of three straight wins, their most recent being the comprehensive 3-0 victory over Seoul E-Land. Gwangju's pursuit of the playoffs took a bit of a hit when they lost to Ansan Greeners in round 16. Asan can boast of having Ju Sejong within their ranks, the man who supplied the superb assist for Son Heungmin's goal in injury time against Germany during Korea's 2-0 win over Germany. The on-loan FC Seoul midfielder only return to Korea on Friday and will be given a rest for the away trip to Gwangju. Even without Ju Sejong, Asan arguably have the best midfield in the division with the likes of Ko Muyeol, Hwang Inbeom and Lee Myeongjoo and will be heavy favourites for this one.

Full preview from Columnist Branko Belan: here

Twitter hashtag: #GWAvASA