Preview: Jeju United vs Daegu FC

Jeju United will host Daegu FC on Sunday night in K League 1 action following a scoreless draw in midweek against Gyeongnam FC.  Daegu played away to Sangju and left with a crucial 1-0 victory to move them out of the bottom as they look forward to turning things around in the second half of the season.  K League United's Branko Belan and Muyeol Jung share their perspectives on the upcoming fixture.
(Image via K League)

Match: Jeju United vs Daegu FC
Venue: Jeju World Cup Stadium
Kickoff: Sunday July 15th, 2018, 19:00 KST

Last Time Out

Jeju United 0-0 Gyeongnam FC

Jeju had a great chance to create some distance between themselves and their opposition on Wednesday night by getting a victory, but in the end, neither side really showed enough quality to get maximum points.  Jeju were by far the more dominant side in the first half with a majority of possession, but could not make it count, as they missed several chances off target.  The teams would go to the break as they started, although the hosts really should have had something to show for their efforts.

Jeju continued to carry much of the play in the second half, and could have gone in front on several occasions thanks to Kwon Soon-hyung, whose crossing into the box from a pair of free kicks should have reaped goals in the early going, but the finishing quality in front of goal was absolutely dreadful.

Gyeongnam could have turned the match on its head when Marcao was introduced in the 74th minute, and he almost stole three points for the visitors shortly after his introduction.  His pinpoint header from close range forced Lee Chang-keun to stretch to his right in order to parry the effort away and keep the teams level.  In the end, neither team could capitalize on its chances, and took home a share of the spoils.

Highlights: here

Sangju Sangmu 0-1 Daegu FC

Daegu looked to build on their draw at home to FC Seoul in a four goal thriller with a trip away to Sangju.  It was seen as another stiff test, but also an opportunity for points, knowing that they could count on the services of Korea's newfound hero Cho Hyun-woo between the sticks.

The first twenty minutes of the match seemed a bit bogged down, with both teams not having much success using space on the pitch, and chances were few and far between.  Both 'keepers were tested on a few occasions, but did not have much to do otherwise.  The sides would go to the break without goals, with little to choose between them.

Things looked to change early in the second half as Sangju almost went down to ten men early following a nasty challenge from Kim Do-hyeong on Jeong Woo-jae.  The replay was reviewed by VAR, and the offence was downgraded to a yellow.  

Just as it looked as if neither side would have it in them, Daegu would snatch a goal from a corner late in injury time, as Hong Jeong-woon rose above everyone to head home Cesinha's corner, and give the visitors a much deserved victory.  For Cho Hyun-woo, it was his second clean sheet of the season, and Daegu can look ahead positively with four points in their past two matches as they prepare to face the islanders.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

The two clubs have met once earlier this season, with Jeju winning by a final score of 4-1 away, after Daegu were already down a pair of men before the half.  Roberson scored his first goal for Jeju from the penalty spot after seventeen minutes, but Lim Jae-hyeok got his side level only seven minutes later.

Jeju exploded for three goals in the second half, courtesy of Jin Seong-wook who put United a goal up just before the hour mark, and a four minute brace from Kwon Soon-hyung, which was more than enough to seal the points last time out.  Sunday night will mark Daegu's first visit to the island this year.

The Adversary

Approaching the Jeju game, Daegu will likely play defensively in a 3-4-3 formation again, and will try to hit back on the counter.  Given the team sheet, Andre is quite reluctant to rotate the squad because of differences in quality between the players.  Therefore, the line up will be fairly similar to the previous two games with the risk of fatigue.

Up front, Edgar will play as striker and he will be backed up by Cesinha and Zo Roberto.  In the last game against Sangju, they failed to create critical chances and looked a bit tired.  They were seen sliding down on the pitch at times.  Nevertheless, they are highly likely to start as they are capable of creating chances and finishing.  Their existence on the pitch will be certainly troublesome for the hosts.

In the midfield area, Jung Woo-jae and Ko Jae-hyun are expected to start on each side but Hwang Soon-min could miss out as he left the last game with a knee injury.  His place could be taken by Jung Seon-ho, whose fitness has been improving recently, with Ryu Jae-moon in the centre.  Their main role will be to prevent Jeju players shooting near the penalty arc, rather than meddling in attacking aggressively.

In defence, as before, Kim Woo-suk, Hong Jung-woon, and Kim Jin-hyuk are highly likely to feature as captain Han Hee-hoon’s four game suspension is still in effect.  In fact, Hong Jung-woon might be placed one step up ahead of the defensive line to replace Hwang, but it seems unlikely as Daegu have a good number of midfielders and a restricted number of defenders.  In goal, as always, the Korean national team’s guardian, Jo Hyun-woo will be positioned to protect Daegu.

Without mentioning the three Brazilians again, Jeju should be wary of Ko Jae-hyun.  The nineteen year-old signed for Daegu this year and he has already made six appearances with one assist.  He is definitely not an experienced player, but is fast along the right side and is capable of delivering the ball well into the box.

(by Muyeol Jung)

Prediction

Both teams have come out of the break positively, each with four points from their two matches.  Jeju will look to recover their touch in front of goal, while Daegu look a much better side with several new signings thus far looking to make an impact immediately and move the club up the table.

The earlier encounter should now be forgotten, although Jeju do have an advantage coming into the match.  It should be a much closer affair, but it should also be noted that, dating back to last season, Jeju have now won four consecutive matches since Daegu won promotion to the top flight last year.

The hosts can be a bit unpredictable at home, but are once again in the thick of things in the top half of the table, and will look to keep momentum going for them.  Daegu look a much better outfit overall, and with a World Cup 'keeper strafing their line, goals will most likely be at a premium.  Nonetheless, Jeju should be able to squeeze it out and keep pace with their competitors.

Prediction: Jeju United 2-1 Daegu FC