Preview: Suwon Bluewings vs Incheon United

Suwon Bluewings look to kickstart their season this coming weekend, they'll host Incheon United at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. Suwon have lost their opening two games, whilst Incheon have settled for two goalless draws. This is a great opportunity for both sides to bounce back and move up the table.

Last Time Out

Seongnam FC 0-0 Incheon United

Not much was expected from the game over at the Tancheon Sports Complex on Sunday evening as games between Seongnam and Incheon often have a habit of being boring. Sadly for those watching from home, expectations were founded as Seongnam and Incheon played out a dull goalless draw.

Seongnam bossed most of the game and controlled over seventy percent of the possession in both halves. Incheon went close a few times through star forward Stefan Mugosa but hardly troubled Seongnam keeper Kim Young-kwang. Seongnam hit the post during the second half, but honestly neither side really pushed for the win and both maybe settled for the point in the end.

Suwon Bluewings 2-3 Ulsan Hyundai

They was certainly the best game from last weekend as Suwon dropped a two goal lead in the second half to lose against league leaders Ulsan Hyundai. The first half was pretty even with both sides having openings to break the deadlock. However it was Suwon who drew first blood as Ko Seung-beom smashed home from range just before half time.

Suwon then doubled their lead at the beginning of the second via debutante Sulejman Krpic just two minutes into the second period. But sadly for the hosts they couldn't hold back Ulsan for long as Junior Negao started the comeback firing home after fifty-four minutes. Kim In-sung leveled the game on the hour mark and although Suwon regrouped they just couldn't hold on. Junior Negao bagged all three points for Ulsan in the final minute of the ninty and Suwon were left wondering what might have been.

Previous Meetings

Incheon United and Suwon Bluewings clashed four times last season. Suwon won the first two games winning 3-1 and then 3-2. Incheon picked up a vital 1-0 win in August and then the final game ended 1-1 with Myung Jun-jae scoring an injury time equalizer for Incheon.

Incheon last beat Suwon at away just last season, with Kim Ho-nam scoring the only goal that Summer evening. Suwon beat Incheon at home also last season winning 3-1 at the end of March, an Adam Taggart brace was the main difference that afternoon in Suwon.

Over the years Incheon and Suwon have played each other forty-seven times with the victories dominated by Suwon winning twenty-seven to Incheon's six, with only fourteen games ending in draws. Suwon in fact have a seventy-four percent win rate at home against Incheon.

Team News

Incheon have no played missing due to suspension this coming weekend, however Suwon will be without Terry Antonis once again.

Incheon maybe lacking star forward Stefan Mugosa for the entire ninety again, he managed eighty minutes last weekend but tired during the second half. Fingers crossed defender Gordon Bunoza might be able to return to the bench this Saturday. Suwon should be able to name Adam Taggart in the starting XI after he dropped to the bench due to fitness last weekend for their game against Ulsan.

Adversary

Suwon Bluewings had a disappointing 2019 league season, finishing in the bottom half. However they found FA Cup form and eased to victory in the final against third tier Daejeon Korail over two legs. So far this season they've lost twice in the ACL and twice in the league which has lead to many calling for the removal of manager Lee Lim-saeng.

Watch out for Australian forward Adam Taggart. His twenty goals during his debut K League season was rewarded with a recall to the national team. He's scored four against Incheon last season. Also keep an eye out for Canadian defender Doneil Henry, the former Vancouver Whitercaps man has already impressive during his outings for Suwon during 2020.

Who To Watch

Firstly upfront Incheon United's top goal-scorer from the 2019 season was Montenegrin international forward Stefan Mugoša. He scored fourteen goals in twenty-two games, including nine in the final stretch of the season. He looked bright at times last weekend, but was obviously struggling a little with match fitness.

Moving into the midfield; Australia summer 2019 signing Rashid Mahazi quickly settled into life in the K League last season. H played a blinder on the opening weekend against Daegu, keeping Brazilian forward Cesinha out of the game. He did however miss last weekends game due to injury and could still be 50/50 for this one.

Finally at the back, the experienced hands of Jeong San has kept back-to-back clean sheets, but he was a little hit-or-miss last season. Former Seongnam centerback Mun Ji-hwan has been solid during his first two game for Incheon and will need to be ready for a busy afternoon over in Suwon this Saturday.

Prediction

Based solely on the league table this should be a close game with maybe defensive Incheon having a slight edge. But realistically Suwon have played against the top two teams in the league, whilst Incheon have struggled against fellow bottom half sides. Also once again remember that Suwon in have a seventy-four percent win rate at home against Incheon, compared to Incheon's thirteen percent.

Therefore overall I personally (and with a heavy heart) will be giving Suwon the edge in this one. Incheon will hopefully at least get on the scoresheet, but I feel the Suwon will be a much tougher test compared to either Daegu or Seongnam. Suwon will still need to pull those holes at the back in order to secure the full three points.

Predicted Score: Suwon Bluewings 2-1 Incheon United