Preview: Incheon United vs Daegu FC

Both Incheon United and Daegu FC will be looking to bounce back from defeats this past weekend as they clash on Wednesday evening in Round 5 of the 2019 K League 1. Incheon will desperately be seeking to regain some pride after a loss to rivals Suwon Bluewings, whilst Daegu will want to get their fine start to the season back on track after conceding a late winner to Gyeongnam FC in their last outing. 

Last Time Out

Suwon Bluewings 3 - 1 Incheon United

Incheon suffered their second away defeat on the bounce as they fell to an improved Suwon Bluewings late Sunday afternoon. Suwon took the lead via a questionable early penalty, converted by midfielder Yeom Ki-hun. Incheon, however, regrouped quickly and equalized via a Kim Jung-ho header. It was end to end action for the rest of the half but neither side could break the deadlock.

In the second half, Suwon started the brighter and were finally rewarded when Adam Taggart slotted home. Incheon found some energy following the introduction of Nguyễn Công Phượng, but struggled to create chances. Adam Taggart confirmed the result late in injury time scoring his second of the afternoon.

Highlights: here


Gyeongnam FC 2-1 Daegu FC

It was certainly a game of two halves on Saturday afternoon as Daegu traveled to Gyeongnam. Daegu looked ready and energetic during the opening forty-five minutes and were rewarded thanks to a Cesinha wonder goal, a contender for goal of the season. However, the second half was mostly spent in the Daegu half as Gyeongnam never gave up. Veteran Bae Ki-jong rolled back the years, scoring the equalizer fourteen minutes from time. And it was Bae Ki-jong who scored the dramatic winner deep into injury time.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

Incheon United and Daegu played each other four times during the 2018 season, with Daegu winning twice, one game ending goalless and the other was won 2-1 by Incheon.

Incheon last beat Daegu at home during the summer of 2013 winning 2-1. Brazilian Diogo Acosta scored the winner that evening. Daegu last beat Incheon away just last season. Winning 1-0 via an unlucky own-goal.

Over the years Incheon and Daegu have played each other 38 times with the victories dominated by Incheon. They've won fourteen times vs Daegu's nine. The other fifteen games have ended in draws.

Team News

Manager Jørn Andersen should have most of his squad available for selection but there are some injury doubts going into this game. Captain Nam Jun-jae struggled towards the end of the game against Suwon and therefore might be doubtful.

Adversary

Despite Cesinha’s jaw-dropping rocket into the top corner, Daegu FC’s five game unbeaten run was halted after their 2-1 loss against Gyeongnam last Saturday. The defeat must be even more bitter as that was the first defeat the Sky Blues have encountered since last October.

In his post-match interview after the Gyeongnam game, Daegu manager Andre took positive things from the loss, saying “even though we have only managed to keep a clean sheet once this season, our defence has become much more organised and stronger, compared to the last season. To keep scoring goals in every game this season is something inspiring and encouraging”. He also added that “I have a strong faith in this squad. Any of them can deliver what I want on the pitch”, in response to questions asking about Edgar, who is out of squad due to calf muscle injury.

In spite of his remarks, Daegu clearly seem to have some difficulties upfront following the absence of Edgar, resulting in fewer goal scoring opportunities in that Gyeongnam game. Kim Jin-hyuk replaced Edgar, showing great movement and a high work rate, but wasn’t dangerous enough. However, one thing to note is that Cesinha is taking on some of that goalscoring burden, with two goals against Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. In addition, defensively, Daegu had conceded two goals in the previous game, but they were due to individual mistakes, rather than the lack of system or team work.

Therefore, Andre will likely make very similar selections to the previous game with an emphasis on  counterattack. There is no suspensions among the team, but Edgar and Dario are likely to completely drop out of the squad again, due to a calf injury and achilles injury. Meanwhile, following lack of creativity and sharpness upfront, set pieces will be another tactic they will make the best use of for goals.

@Daegu_Freak

Who To Watch

For Incheon United, Stefan Mugoša was a little off against Suwon at the weekend, but that could have partly been due to jet-leg from his international games over in Europe. However, he scored nineteen goals last season plus two earlier this season, so he will be key once again for Incheon on Wednesday.

Moving into the midfield, where Park Se-jik has become a key member of the starting XI so far this season. He might not be the most stylish player but his workrate and commitment are important for Incheon.

Finally,  at the back, Gordan Bunoza has been commanding in defende so far this season, but sadly he is often a class apart from the rest of the back line at time. He certainly helped Incheon hold on for the win in the closing stages against Gyeongnam a few weeks ago.

Prediction

Both Incheon and Daegu have had mixed starts to their respective seasons, and currently sit next to each other in the K League table. Incheon have sadly lost two on the bounce, but they've been away from home. Daegu have also played better at home and struggled a little on the road so far this season.

Incheon can be slow starters, but manager Jørn Andersen has attempted to create consistency whilst limiting squad rotation so far this season. However, there may be a few changes on Wednesday evening due to the short turn around from playing on Sunday.

Overall, it will be a close game with a few goals scored, as both sides can be a little unpredictable defensively. However, in the end I see Incheon picking up the win, maybe via a late goal.

Predicted Score: Incheon United 2-1 Daegu FC