Preview: Bucheon 1995 vs Ansan Greeners

The two most out of form teams clash in Bucheon this Sunday, as Bucheon 1995 look to put the brakes on their train out of the playoffs against a managerless Ansan Greeners.
(Image via K League)

Last Time Out

Bucheon's miserable form continued with a defeat away to high-flying Seongnam. Lee Kwangjae equalised for Bucheon midway through the second half but they ultimately succumbed to a Choi Byungchan winner ten minutes from time. Bucheon have not won in in their last six, despite looking like early title contenders, however they lie just five points behind Suwon FC, and a win here could still turn their season around.

Highlights: here

Ansan made it ten defeats on the spin, as caretaker manager Lee Youngmin oversaw a 1-0 defeat away to Daejeon. Ansan had a late shout for a penalty, which was overturned by VAR, a correct decision that nonetheless will leave Greeners fans still feeling despondent after such early season promise. Ansan have only scored two goals in this ten game run, leaving them with a goal scoring average of 0.8 in the league, altough their goals against average is only 1.2, meaning that if Ansan can get firing, they might just be able to salvage something from the season, altough the key stat: 13 points adrfit of the playoff places, means that there is little to truly play for now for the Green Wolves.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

Ansan may well feel that Bucheon is the team to play to finally stop the rot, following Lee Heungsil's departure. Ansan came out 3-1 winners at the Wa Stadium back in April, with goals from Conneh and the then in-form Choi Hojoo grabbing a brace, with lee Kwangjae having opened the scoring in that game. The two sides then played out a 1-1 draw in Bucheon back in May, with Ansan taking the lead through Shin Ilsoo before a defensive error allowed Lee Hyunseong to bag an equaliser.

Team News

Jang Soonhyeonk and Lim Deonghyeok should both be available again after their dismissals in Bucheon's 'rumble in Suwon' earlier in the month. Top scorer William Popp may miss the game after picking up an injury against Suwon FC.

Fidel Rocha dos Santos may return for selection for Ansan, although he is yet to make an impact for the Greeners. Lee Geon continues to walk a suspension tightrope, having five yellow cards to his name so far this season.

Prediction

Ansan are all over the place. Although the pressure may well be off Lee Yongnam, allowing him to take a fresh approach to this Ansan side, who have to be fair, used almost every formation and player combination possible this season. Bucheon need a result, and fast, and they will most probably get it on a game that promises to be a turgid affair.

Bucheon 1995 1-0 Ansan Greeners