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Preview: Suwon Samsung Bluewings vs Seongnam FC



Suwon Samsung Bluewings shift their focus back to the K League on Sunday, when they host a struggling Seongnam FC at the Big Bird. Can Joo Seung-jin  spring a change in their fortunes after replacing Lee Lim-saeng at the helm? Bluewings columnist Nived Zenith previews the clash.

Last Time Out

Jeju United 0-1 Suwon Bluewings

The Bluewings began their FA Cup title defence with a narrow win over second-division outfit Jeju United in Seogwipo during midweek. Lee Lim-saeng’s men were made to toil hard for their progression to the quarter-finals, as Jeju ensured the tie went into extra time. However, Adam Taggart, who started the game on the bench, netted the decisive goal in the 99th minute for the holders.

Daegu FC 1-1 FC Seongnam (2-4 on penalties)

Seongnam also progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup during midweek, when they got the better of Daegu FC on penalties. The Magpies forced the game into extra time through a goal from Lee Chang-yong, after Cesinha had put the hosts ahead at the brink of half-time. Both teams were unable to find the winning goal in extra time and were forced to settle for penalties. Kim Nam-il’s men converted all of their spot kicks, while both Sin Chang-moo and Kim Dae-won missed for their counterparts to settle the tie.


Previous Meetings

Over the years, Suwon and Seongnam have contested 70 matches in total in the Korean top-flight. Both teams have enjoyed considerable success in the fixture, but Suwon are slightly ahead in terms of victories with 27 games playing out in their favour. Seongnam have registered four wins fewer (23) than their counterparts, while the teams have shared the points on 20 separate occasions.

During the 2019 campaign, Seongnam secured a 2-1 win and a 0-0 draw at the Big Bird, with the other game at Tancheon drawing a blank stalemate as well. However, the Bluewings ran out 2-0 winners when the two sides met earlier this term back in June. Notably, that win remains only one of two times Lim-saeng’s side have secured maximum points from their 11 outings this term.


Team News


Arguably the biggest news to have come out from the Big Bird is that manager Lee Lim-saeng has resigned from his duties. It is believed that Lim-saeng voluntarily stepped down from his post and is set to be replaced by Joo Seung-jin on an interim basis. In terms of other changes, the Bluewings are expected to recall Adam Taggart back into the starting eleven on Sunday, while the likes of Doneil Henry and Terry Antonis might also retain their berth. Min Sang-gi and Kim Min-woo could also be in contention to start the game, as the hosts prepare to try and put an end to their poor run in the league.

Just like their opponents, Seongnam also played 120 minutes of football during their midweek FA Cup triumph. As such, Kim Nam-il could make a few changes to the eleven that beat Daegu earlier this week. Jamshid Iskanderov could make his way back into midfield, while Lee Jae-won and Kim Hyun-sung could feature again from the start. It remains to be seen whether Tomislav Kis gets an opportunity to start the game.


The Adversary

After a bright start to the 2020 K League campaign, the wheels have come off the Magpies’ cruise in the top-flight. Seongnam, who enjoyed a four-game unbeaten run at the start of the season, have yet to win since their triumph over FC Seoul at the end of June.

As such, Kim Nam-il’s side have been drawn back into the battle to avoid relegation and they currently lie ninth in the table, level on points with Gwangju and Seoul below them. The goals have also dried up for Seongnam, who have the second-worst record in front of goal in the division.

However, the Magpies managed to earn a point against defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai last weekend and will take heart from the fact they were able to establish a two-goal lead over the title-aspirants. In spite of that, Seongnam will have to defend much better, if they are to come away with a much-needed win against Suwon.

What To Watch

Will Adam Taggart maintain scoring streak?

Despite his sluggish start to the season, Adam Taggart has rekindled his scoring touch in recent weeks. The Australian netted a brace in the Super Match draw against FC Seoul, while he also found the back of the net at the Steelyard against Pohang last weekend. Suwon also relied on his goal during extra time to edge past Jeju United in the FA Cup during midweek, after he came off the bench to help the team get through to the quarter finals.

The onus will be yet again on Taggart to help Suwon get back to winning ways in the K League on Sunday, when a struggling Seongnam visit the Big Bird. Coincidentally, the 27-year-old had scored during the 2-0 win over the Magpies last month and will be hoping to maintain his recent form in front of goal.


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Prediction

The fixture promises to be a huge six-pointer at the bottom of the league table, with both teams level on 10 points from their 11 games. Suwon can emerge victorious over Seongnam, should they defend sensibly and with commitment. The score line could be narrow, but the hosts might just edge it by a goal at the Big Bird on Sunday.


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