Preview: Jeonnam Dragons vs FC Anyang

Off the back of a season-defining loss to Asan Mugunghwa, Jeonnam Dragons are host to a high flying FC Anyang team, who scored five goals versus Seoul E-Land last time out. Can Jeonnam cause an upset and be victorious like they were in game week three?

Last Time Out

Asan Mugunghwa 1- 0 Jeonnam Dragons

On Monday, Jeonnam traveled to the fifth place Asan Mugunghwa with hopes of igniting a late season push up the table. They came up short and lost one to nil. The first half was played at a relatively slow pace, with arguably the best chances falling Jeonnam's way with both teams mostly relying on set pieces to create chances.

The first half ended with the chances being few and far between, the main highlight was two yellow cards given out to both Nicholas Ansell and Jeong Da-hooeon. The second half saw literally fireworks, and a goal for Jeonnam early, but it was ruled as not a goal, due to an alleged handball after a VAR intervention. The second half did a see goal though, as substitute Choi Yo-seb pounced on a poor goalkeeping mistake by the Jeonnam goalkeeper. After the goalkeeper rushed out to close the angle, the ball was passed into his path and he easily guided the ball into the roof of the net for 1-0. That would be enough to win the game for Asan as their defence was strong enough to withstand the late attacks.


Anyang 5 - 2 Seoul E-Land

An incredibly entertaining game even for the neutral fan, I would implore you to watch the highlights. The game started at a very fast pace, as within the first ten minutes, Mo Jae-hyeon proved he was an astute loan signing from Suwon. The young striker took a shot on the turn, and with its unexpected nature it crept in at the far post. Not long after the goal, VAR gave Anyang a present in the form of a penalty, the angle shown on TV wasn't conclusive, but the penalty was placed away carefully by Cho Kyu-sung to maintain his goal-scoring record.

Half time brought an end to the action, but not for long as six minutes into the second half the score was 3-0. When my personal player of the season Lee Jeong-bin scored a powerful effort after a quick breakaway run, his loan signing from Incheon has been pivotal. It only got worse for Seoul E-land from there, as it was 4-0 within minutes of the third. Mo Jae-hyeon with his second on another counter-attack that was too powerful for Glory to keep out of the goal.

Seoul E-Land responded almost immediately, Kim Gyeong-joon scored an incredible goal from outside the box. However, it was denied by VAR due to a foul before the goal. This might have caused tensions to rise as less than ten minutes later, Seoul E-Land found themselves with a man down after a straight red card to Lee Byung-wook.

Palacios settled the game even further with 15 minutes to go his curled effort made the scoreline 5-0. The clean sheet wouldn't last long however, as Robson Carlos found space expertly in the Anyang defence and scored a would-be consolation goal. Which would be further added too as Kim Gyeong-joon got his deserved goal with an effort in the dying seconds, after a beautiful passing sequence by Seoul E-Land.

Previous Meetings

Jeonnam Dragons welcome Anyang to the Gwangyang stadium, with a fortress-like quality starting to build up. Jeonnam have only lost one game out of the last six played at home. Which is even more worrying for Anyang as they have never won at the Gwangyang stadium. Jeonnam boast decent performances against Anyang, despite losing two of the three meetings this year. They have played well in all three games. The last time these two teams met was at Anyang, when Jeonnam lost 4-2, but the majority of the goals were in the first half of the game, when Jeonnam were not fully prepared for the fast pace start. Positives for Jeonnam are definitely their home form, and the fact that despite a losing record, they've always scored verses Anyang.

Anyang and Jeonnam battled out a tense 4-2 result last time these two teams met. 

The Adversary

Anyang come into this game with spirits high, this is almost guaranteed to be their highest place finish in the league in their short history. They also boast being the second highest goal scoring team in the league with the third best defence as well. With no real injury concerns and players form hitting their highest heights, this is turning into a fantasy season for players and fans a like. Anyang's young talent are showcasing their skills and are even being given U 20 national call ups as a reward.

Anyang will be desperate to continue their form for the last seven games, as playoff positions will be vital if they're to achieve their dream of winning promotion into the K League 1. Their on the field success is transferring to off the field as well, as attendances are up and the feel good factor around the club is boosting moral even further.

What To Watch

This game is guaranteed goals, with ten goals in their last three meetings. There is no doubt in my mind that both teams will have plenty of chances. If Jeonnam can score early, and not have to play more attacking to find a goal, then Anyang won't be able to utilize their strategy of counter-attacking and winning the ball high up the pitch.

Another major factor in this match is the disparity between home and away performances, as I said previously Jeonnam have only lost once out of their last six at home. Whereas, Anyang have only won two of their last six away from home. This could prove to be important as both sides will want to rectify or solidify their records. Anyang have a point to prove, to show teams they're real playoff contenders, whereas Jeonnam will want to win back respect by showing up against a strong team.

Prediction

Jeonnam Dragons will score, they haven't not scored against Anyang in history. However, it won't be enough as Anyang boast some of the most exciting attacking talent that the league has to offer. It will simply be too much for the Dragons to handle.

Jeonnam Dragons 1 - 3 FC Anyang. 

[READ: K League 2 Round 30 Preview.]