Preview: Incheon United v Pohang Steelers

Bottom of the league Incheon United come into Saturday's game against Pohang Steelers with only a single win all season. Not only that, but the managerless team haven't scored in six games on the bounce. Pohang, on the other hand, are finding some form following a poor start to their season. Can Incheon finally wake up or will Pohang continue to improve?

Last Time Out

Gangwon 1 - 0 Incheon United
Following successive goalless draws against FC Seoul and then Seongnam FC, Incheon once against failed to get going last Sunday against Gangwon. They again played a patient and defensive style, but this time it didn't pay off. Gangwon scored the only goal of the game late in the first half. For some unknown reason the Incheon defence just stood and watched a Kim Ji-hyun's cross fly across the box, which was turned home by Shin Kwang-hoon.

In the second half Incheon at least improved moving forward and looked more dangerous with Nam Jun-jae and Stefan Mugosa both coming on as substitutes. They hit the woodwork, but in the end the Gangwon defence stood strong and the home side held on for the three points.

Highlights: here

Pohang Steelers 2 - 1 Ulsan Hyundai
Pohang Steelers picked up their second win in two, beating local rivals Ulsan Hyundai at the Steelyard. Ulsan took the lead part way into the first half via Sin Jin-ho. However, roared on by a solid crowd Pohang bounced back quickly. Lee Jin-hyun equalized just five minutes after the Ulsan opener.

In the second half, Pohang fan favorite Kim Seung-dae scored his third of the season with what would prove to be the decisive goal. Ulsan Hyundai might have had one eye on their mid-week champions league game when subbing off Mix Diskerud and goalscorer Sin Jin-ho, but in the end they couldn't find an equalizer and Pohang took the full three points.

Highlights: here

Previous Meetings

Incheon and Pohang played each other three times last season, with all three games being very even. The first ended 0-0, then Pohang won the other two 2-1 and 1-0.

Incheon last won at home against Pohang in the summer of 2017, winning 2-0 with Choi Jong-hwan scoring the winner. Pohang beat Incheon away just last season, winning 1-0 with Kim Seung-dae scoring the only goal of that game.

Over the years Incheon and Pohang have played each other 45 times with the victories edged by Pohang nineteen to thirteen. The other thirteen games have all ended in draws.

Team News

Caretaker Incheon Manager Lim Joong-yong should have a full strength squad for Saturday, however Stefan Mugosa still isn't 100% match fit. No Incheon players are suspended for this game, however Lim Eun-soo is a booking away from a ban. Pohang also have no players suspended for Sunday afternoon's game.

Who To Watch

Incheon should welcome back Stefan Mugoša to the starting lineup on Saturday. The Montenegrin international came on as a sub last weekend against Gangwon, following some time out due to injury. Incheon need to start scoring and he is their most likely outlet.

Moving into the midfield, this is an area that Incheon have a number of options but most just aren't clicking at the moment. Captain Nam Jun-jae returned from injury last weekend which gives Incheon a solid attacking option. Also Vietnamese star Nguyễn Công Phượng hasn't played in recent weeks, but his loyal fans will be hoping he'll finally give the Incheon fans something to cheer about on Saturday.

Finally,  at the back keeper Jung San and centre back Gordan Bunoza have been the most consistent players in recent weeks. Incheon defensively have looked improved, having only conceded once in their past three games.

For Pohang, Kim Seung-Dae is currently their top goalscorer with three and has a habit of scoring against Incheon. He also has three assists to his name so far this season. Also watch out for Brazilian David Silva, the former Shelbourne forward should be back following suspension and may be a dangerous supersub for Pohang.

Prediction

Incheon come into this game knowing that they need to switch things up and most importantly score some goals. Four goals in ten games is a pretty awful return and it's made worse when you have a questionable backline. Pohang will be looking to continue an improved run of form and they will be favorites to continue that run against lowly Incheon.

Overall, Incheon need a good result and a boost before the start of the summer evening games, but sadly I don't see them beating Pohang based on recent matches. Pohang will make the most of Incheon's disjointed midfield and defence to take home the win. However, I do see Incheon at least getting on the scoresheet, maybe late in the game.

Predicted Score: Incheon United 1 - 2 Pohang Steelers