FA Cup Preview: Daejeon Citizen vs Dankook University

Still unbeaten from the first three league outings of the new campaign, attentions turns to the Korean FA Cup this Wednesday where Ko Jongsoo's Daejeon Citizen host Dankook University. Citizen have lost to university opposition just once in their history and so will be confident of advancing to the next round. However, Wednesday's opposition have made it to the fourth round once before by beating eventual K League 2 Champions Sangju Sangmu in round three back in 2016.

Overview

via Soccerway

Last Time Out

Daejeon Citizen 0-0 Seoul E-Land

In Round 3 of the 2019 K League 2 season, Daejeon Citizen and Seoul E-Land played out a goalless draw at Purple Arena. For what was the Daejeon's home opener having previously picked six points from six on the road, Ko Jongsoo's side were unable to breach the Leopards' net.

From 15 attempts on goal only four made the target, none of which were from inside the area. It was a similar story for the visitors too with just five shots on goal finding the target from a total of 11. Daejeon dominated possession with 59% to E-Land's 41% but despite chances from Sanzhar Tursanov in particular, the score remained goalless and the spoils were shared.

Highlights: here

Dankook University 0-0 Sunmoon University

Following a 1-1 draw and a subsequent 5-3 penalty shootout win to book their place in the third round of the FA Cup just under a week prior, Dankook University began their U-League campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Sunmoon University last Friday.

FA Cup Draw Rounds 1-3: here

Previous Meetings

Daejeon Citizen and Dankook University have never faced each other in competitive action before. However, against university teams, Daejeon have just one loss to their name - a penalty shootout defeat to Yeonsei University in 2008 after a 2-2 draw. Since then, in five other FA Cup ties with university teams, the Purples have come out on top. The most recent being a 2-0 victory over Yeungnam University in 2017.

The visitors to Purple Arena this Wednesday have faced K League opposition on just two previous occasions, Sangju Sangmu and Jeonbuk Hyundai in Round 3 and Round 4 respectively in 2016. After beating Sangju by two-goals-to-one, Dankook's giant killing efforts were rewarded with a trip to Jeonju Castle to take on the might of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. After extra time Choi Kanghee's Jeonbuk went on to record a 3-1 win.

Team News

Romanian forward Aurelian Chițu has missed Daejeon's last two matches with a groin injury but is expected to be fit in time for the visit of Suwon FC on 31st March. The Purples' vice captain is said to be undertaking light running and so could feature from the bench against Dankook University. In the 0-0 draw with Seoul E-Land, Park Inhyeok was taken off injured as a precaution and so could be rested ahead next weekend's K League 2 clash with Suwon.

Elsewhere, there could be starts for goalkeeper Kim Jinyoung who, after beginning the 2018 season as first choice, missed the remainder of the campaign as the result of an ACL injury. Park Suchang and Ahn Joohyeong could be given the nod in attack whilst Shohruh Gadoev will be hoping that he has done enough in his second half cameos off the bench to force his way into Coach Ko's plans. There could also be first starts for midfielder Lee Jungmoon, and defenders Lee Kwangjun and Hwang Doyeon.

The Adversary

Dankook University make it to the third round having eased past Sangji University on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Last season, the university side were eliminated by Gyeongju Citizen in the second round thanks to a 2-0 away defeat. In 2017 Dankook were knocked out in the first round by SMC Engineering following a 1-0 away loss.

However, in 2016, Dankook made it all the way to the fourth round and even added a K League scalp along the way. After a penalty shootout win over Soongsil University in round one, a 3-2 victory away to notorious FA Cup giant killers Mokpo City preceded a 2-1 away win over Sangju Sangmu in round three. However, in round four, Dankook were knocked out by K League giants Jeonbuk Hyundai in an extra time 3-1 loss.

That evening, Lee Kiwoon put the students in front on 55 minutes only for Lee Jongho to level just past the hour mark. Lee Jongho added his second in extra time, converting in the 111th minute before Kim Shinwook put daylight between the two sides with Jeonbuk's third four minutes later. Dankook were then reduced to 10 men when Moon Jihwan was shown a second yellow card just two minutes from time.

Who to Watch

Lee Jungmoon

Dubbed the 'Yonsei Paul Pogba' due to his height and style of play, central midfielder Lee Jungmoon is said to have the potential to become a top player. Lee, who joined Daejeon over the winter from Yonsei University, himself has gone on record to say that he dreams of being the next Hwang Inbeom, a young midfielder to play their way into the Korea national team set up.

At K League Media Day in February, each K League 2 manager was asked to identify a key play or one to watch this season. Ko Jongsoo pinpointed Lee Jungmoon as someone for fans to keep tabs on in 2019, such is the level of promise that Lee possesses. Thus far, the 21 year-old has been limited to a substitute appearance away to Ansan Greeners on the opening day but, if selected, will be one to watch on Wednesday night.

Prediction

At this stage last season the Purples were yet to get a win under the belts but after two wins and a draw to start 2019, the Coach Ko will perhaps see Wednesday's cup tie an opportunity to give some fringe players a run out. Nevertheless, even with what should be a heavily rotated starting lineup, Daejeon shouldn't have any problems in booking their place in the next round.