Preview: Daegu FC vs Busan IPark

With four points separating fifth-placed Daegu FC and sixth-placed Busan IPark, the Sky Blues are looking to bounce back from recent defeats this Sunday at home, while the Royals are hoping to extend their unbeaten run. K League United's Daegu FC correspondent Muyeol Jung previews this clash in Round 13.

Last Time Out

Sangju Sangmu 2-0 Daegu FC

Sangju continued to enjoy their unbeaten run after beating Daegu FC 2-0 at home. The win closed the gap to two points with second in the table. For the Sky Blues that played an extra time three days prior, it was a tough task to cope with the fresh Soldiers. Sangju had many goal scoring chances in the first half, but their poor finishing was at fault for a goalless draw at the break.

In the first five minutes of the second half when the Sky Blues wasted a few chances, the hosts took the lead after young Korean international striker Oh Sehun vitally headed home on 52 minutes. Afterwards, the visitors went fiercely on to find an equaliser, but couldn't really find the back of net because of a well organised defence. With about ten minutes to go, Sangju then increased their lead when Kang Sangwoo curled the ball into the top left corner near the edge of the box. Then, the Sky Blues had their misery compounded with Nishi Tsubasa sent off before the final whistle.

Highlights


Busan IPark 0-0 Gwangju FC

Two promoted sides clashed at Busan Gudeok Stadium for the second time this season and saw the points shared at full time. The two sides exchanged their solo shot when Lee Jeonghyeop threatened Gwangju's goal with a left-footed shot from a tight angle before Willyan's effort was saved by Busan's shot stopper Choi Pilsoo.

The second half saw a similar fashion to the first half with more chances created, but their chances failed to test each goalkeeper. Perhaps, the best chance of the game fell to Gwangju with three minutes to play when substitute Kim Jugong's effort was off the post in a one-on-one chance. In the end, both sides had to settle for a point in a goalless draw.

Highlights

Previous Meetings

In the first meeting of this season, Daegu FC and Busan IPark shared the points at Busan Gudeok Stadium after Rômulo salvaged a point for the Royals with a late, late penalty that made it 2-2.

Historically, the Sky Blues are slightly ahead of the Royals with 14 wins to Busan's 11 wins out of 33 meetings. However, in their recent ten meetings, the Royals are the better side with five wins to Daegu's four wins. In general, it would be fair to say that the margin between the two sides isn't significant.

Team News

Daegu FC

For this Sunday's game, the Daegu lads will come to the game fresh and recharged after one week of recovery. However, there is some uncertainty in team selection due to injuries and suspension. The Sky Blues have gone five games without Edgar da Silva (Achilles) and Hwang Soonmin (unspecified). With no statement from the club, they remain uncertain, but they might return to squad as their injuries aren't reportedly serious. Otherwise, Dejan and Kim Dongjin will likely start. In the midfield, Ryu Jaemoon will continue to keep his place instead of Nishi Tsubasa who was sent off for a second yellow card last time out. The rest of lineup will be expected to be similar.


Busan IPark

Busan IPark will make a short trip to Daegu with the majority of their squad available. The IPark have been set up in a 4-1-2-3 for the recent three league games with very limited changes to the line up and this trend will likely remain the same in their cracking form.

Former Korea international striker Lee Jeonghyeop will spearhead along with summer signing Kim Seungjoon and Lee Dongjun on the side. They will be backed up by midfield trio Lee Kyusung, Rômulo and youngster Kwon Hyukkyu. In defence, Park Junkang, Kim Dongwoo, Kang Minsoo, and Kim Moonhwan will form a back four. Between the sticks, Choi Pilsoo was handed a place boosted by his successful performances in the cup tie, but Kim Hojoon is likely to take his place back. Summer signing Kim Hyun might make the squad on the bench for injured Gustavo Vintecinco.

[READ: Spotlight: Lee Gyuseong]

What To Watch

U23 Korean Team forwards: Kim Daewon vs Lee Dongjun

Busan Youth Product Lee Dongjun is relishing his first top flight football with his hometown club

Daegu FC Kim Daewon (main picture) and Busan IPark Lee Dongjun would have been in the same shirt this time, competing for a place in Korea's U23 Team for the Tokyo Olympics, but the pandemic made them face each other for the sakes of their teams in the league.

The two 1997 born forwards started to earn attention from fans by playing for their teams in recent years and through helping the Korean U23 Team win the AFC Championship in early 2020, they became nationwide rising stars in K League. This season Kim Daewon has recorded three goals and two assists to his name in the league, while Lee Dongjun has settled into his life in K League 1 with three goals and three assists after guiding the team to promotion last year.

Prediction

One of biggest setbacks for Daegu FC is the left flank that is still left vulnerable. I think this would be the place Busan IPark's Lee Dongjun can easily exploit with his pace. With this in mind, Daegu FC will have to capitalise on Busan's weak centre-backs. Veteran defender Kang Minsoo is seen playing the sweeper below their defence line, which could result in the Sky Blues neutralising their backline with through balls to pacey wingers.


Daegu FC 1-1 Busan IPark