Preview: Gangwon FC vs Incheon United

Gangwon FC secured their K League status for next season with a one-nil win over Jeonnam Dragons last week. Next up is an Incheon United side desperately needing three points to close the gap on tenth-placed Sangju Sangmu. But Jorn Andersen’s side will have to be wary; the last time they played Gangwon, they conceded a whopping seven goals. Steve Price with the preview.

Last Time Out

Gangwon were already more-or-less safe when they took on Jeonnam Dragons last weekend. But a one-nil win confirmed their K League 1 status for another season and sent Jeonnam to the foot of the table. Gangwon once again lined up in a four-four-two formation with young striker Kim Ji-hyun coming in for Jung Jo-gook to partner top scorer Uroš Ðerić. Kim got the only goal of the game, arriving at the far post to head home a corner in the 17th minute. The result ends Gangwon’s run of four games without a win. Ðerić was subbed off on the hour-mark and has now gone six games without a goal.

Previous Meetings

In what has mainly been a season of disappointment and scandal for Gangwon, their last match against Incheon was at least one day that their fans can remember fondly. Usually on the other end of heavy defeats, Gangwon impressed in Kim Byung-soo’s second game in charge, and put seven past Incheon without reply. Uroš Ðerić opened the scoring on two minutes and Diego put Gangwon two-nil up in the first ten minutes. Hwang Jin-sung scored just minutes later to make it three-nil at the interval. Another Diego goal and three more for Ðerić in the second half completed the rout.

Team News

Kim Byung-soo used a 4-3-3 formation to demolish Incheon back in August but recently he’s been lining Gangwon up in a 4-4-2 formation and playing a bit more direct. Aussie defender Dylan McGowan has returned to the lineup recently, playing in central midfield with Oh Beom-seok.

The Adversary (by Tim Barnes)

With only three games of the 2018 season to play Incheon United are still deep in the relegation battle. However a vital 2-1 victory over Sangju Sangmu last weekend helped move them off the bottom but still three points off safety. It only Incheon’s second win in eight games. One advantage is that Gangwon are now safe and therefore the game will be 100% more important to Incheon moving forward. A disadvantage is that Incheon have lost their last four trips to Gangwon-do.

Norwegian manager Jørn Andersen won’t make many changes from a winning side, Moon Seon-Min made a substitute appearance last weekend and therefore should start this week. No players are suspended, and no key players are currently sidelined with major injuries.

One to Watch: Montenegro international Stefan Mugosa scored one and created the other last weekend. He was the real difference last weekend, and he has seventeen goals so far during his debut season.

Also keep an eye out from Jeonbuk transfer target Costa Rican Elias Aguilar and Top K League domestic goalscorer Moon Seon-Min.

Tim's Prediction

Incheon don’t have the best record whilst playing over in Gangwon-Do with the 7-0 hammering from this past Summer jumping to mind, but as Saturday is must win fingers crossed the tide will change. Đerić is a huge danger and Incheon will need to keep him under control. The crowd could be more away fans than home which could aid Incheon. In the end, I see Incheon only picking up a point, which sadly might not be enough.

Gangwon 1 - Incheon United 1

Steve's Prediction

Gangwon may be safe but with a new manager in charge, they are all playing for their places next season. Incheon need a win but will be wary of what happened last time they visited Chuncheon. Despite Ðerić’s goal-drought, Incheon will be hard pressed to keep a clean sheet in this fixture.

Gangwon 2 – Incheon United 2